17 months to 20 years

17 months….. 20 years      

It has been a big couple of days in this house. On the 12^th, our sweet gal started Preschool. It was a big day for us. We had been working for 6-8 months before that on getting her comfortable on being left in a “preschool” setting. She had been attending a mothers morning out and some other things in preparation. And so when the big day came, we were the only one with happy tears.

We went to meet the teacher the day before. We walked in and Hosanna was so excited to sit in her seat. She shook her teachers hand, checked things out and we left. She has 11 boys in her class and then two other girls.

And then the first day came. By the looks of the pictures, you can tell that she was really excited.

The night before I found myself doing a lot of reflecting. We were 4 days short of being a family 17months. There has been so much change in the 17months. I can see now why people day it goes fast. For us, it seems like it has been warp speed.

In the first 17months we have been home……

Gone through a high chair, and booster seat.

The crib went to a toddler bed and then gone all together for a big girl bed.

We have gone from a 24 month clothing to a 5T.

The vocabulary base has been increased and increased over and over to forming 4-5 word sentences.

Night terrors are few and far between.

We are talking about China more and more.

Mom and dad can walk out of the house without a lot of trauma.

Buddies are being formed.

There are very distinct likes and dislikes.

She can take a shower.

It is incredible how she puts concepts together.

She has about 85% mobility of her arm and steadily gaining mobility in her hand.

We are potty training and making great strides. Almost out of diapers!!!

She getting more confident when we leave the house, we will come home, even if we sleep somewhere else.

She has a love of music

Her imagination is incredible.

In short, we have gone from a baby to almost a kindergartener in 17 months. We are so proud of the strides that we have made. And while there are still more hurdles to overcome (And more than likely will always be) We are excited for the path that God has her on. One of the best things that we could have done over the past year and half was keep her home. I am thankful I got to be here with her, transition with her day in and day out. And I am glad that we did a gradual work up to going to school. It was the best for her. 

So this mama shed a few tears that day. Tears of joy, tears of Holy Cow the next 20 years we will be in school, and tears of letting her baby girl go one small step at a time.

Oh the places you will go my sweet girl,

Jennifer