Letters to Grace

6 Years Old!!

2010-05-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Grace,

As I’m typing this letter, you are reading it out loud to me. You have grown so much in the last year. Reading, Writing, Addition, Subtraction. You are very good in math and very hard on yourself when it comes to your school work. This comes as a surprise to me, because I was just the opposite in school.

You just finished Kindergarten a couple of weeks ago. Every week, we’d go through your school work…and every week you’d come home with a stack of papers on Friday – most of which were perfect. But you’d always manage to find the few you had red X’s open and comment how you ‘got it all wrong.’ I’d try to place the emphasis on all the good work you did, but you really weren’t hearing it. As I always say…”I’m not asking you to be perfect, just do your best.” And I honestly believe you have.

To say you were a social butterfly at school is an understatement. Your friends were not limited to the Kindergarten class, you made friends with the Pre-K class – as well as ‘big kids’ all the way up to the 8th graders. As I walked you to class in the mornings, you were always greeted by most everyone, by name – even parents.

You are still known by everyone at the restaurant, as well. You have now infiltrated the entire place, finally figuring out that Vincent and Little Gino are really where it’s at…and you use this knowledge to get anything you want there. You seem very interested in how things work in the kitchen. You ask a lot of questions about cooking when you’re there. You also love to help out in the kitchen at home.

You have no problem walking up to a table of adults and talking to them, especially in a place you feel comfortable. With that being said, new places or places with new people seem to really intimidate you..or as you call it “scare you.” You can have a very sassy attitude at times and can still talk trash with the rest of us. You get it honestly from me and Daddy. We focus a lot on manners and how you speak to people.. because no matter what, we want you to be polite.

You are still in soccer. The season just wrapped up a few weeks ago. You like it..but I wouldn’t say that you love it. I think you like the fact that you are able to see your friends and run around with them, more than anything. You are very active at school and at home. You have a hard time sitting still. Always curious, always inquisitive. You are constantly doing something – and sometimes into things you shouldn’t be into, because of your curiosity.

Physically, you are more beautiful than I ever dreamed you would be. Your skin is perfect and your hair is curly and brown with a lot of red highlights in the sun, especially in the summer. You are already at odds with your curly hair, wishing it was straight..and not so ‘poofy.’ You have your own style and you like to dress yourself..model your clothes and wear makeup. You are always getting into my makeup and trying different things.

You love drawing, painting, telling stories, acting, singing..and entertaining in general. You still have that very dry sense of humor that you get from me…and you are very sensitive, just like me. You love your babies and take care of them all the time, packing them around in a basket and putting them to bed or dressing them. You also love all animals and have a very maternal side to you. You are always thinking about your friends and creating artwork for them…or asking to call them.

I have not been working in an office for several months now, so I get to spend a lot more time with you. I can honestly say these last few months have been some of the best in my life. It’s so nice to spend time with you and truly get to know you – not just in the 2-3 hours after work and when we’re getting dressed in the mornings. We’ve done so much together lately…and we’ve had so much fun. Every year around your birthday I have always felt like I was missing out on so much with you. This year it was a little easier to stomach that you are growing up so fast.

Favorite Music: Britney Spears, Prince, brass bands and anything live. You like playing the drums and I hope to be able to help you explore this interest more very soon.

Favorite TV Shows: iCarly, Tru Jackson & Suite Life on Deck

I could not be any more proud of you, Grace. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t stop and think of how thankful I am for you in my life. You are a blessing to all of us.

Happy Birthday!

I Love you,
Mommy

Happy 5th Birthday Grace!!

2009-04-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Grace,

It doesn't seem like another year has gone by. You will be 5 in just a few weeks. I know it seems to you like it takes forever to get to your next birthday, but to me it goes by in the blink of an eye. People tell me all the time how sweet you are... And they are right. Even at this age, your thoughtfulness and genuine concern for the people you love is evident in everything you do. Emotionally, you are very sensitive, just like me. You cry easily and if there is any indication that you may have upset or hurt someone, it devastates you to the point that its almost impossible to comfort you. I find myself having to put up a brave, strong front at times, when it's not really my nature, just to try to thicken your skin a little. I used to think you were such a daddy's girl, and you still are...but lately you've become really attached to me. You can be very demanding at times, but I truly love it. I love who you are and the person I see you growing into.

Physically, you are very strong and you still straddle the tom boy/prissy girl line on a moment to moment basis. You are loving soccer. You scored another goal this season and seem to really understand the game.

You are creative. You love to make things... Jewelry, drawings, paintings and you LOVE to write books at school. Your books are so special to me and I will cherish them forever. You went from day care to pre k at a new school this year. it was a rough few days at the beginning, but you adjusted despite yourself and love it now. Every day when I pick you up from school you have to stop by the gym to see what's going on in there. You are facsinated by it. You've told me you want to be a cheerleader and a basketball player.

Favorite songs: music/madonna, I know I can/nas, everybody nose/nerd, we don't want no war/michael foster project, ridin dirty/chamillionaire. Yeah, I know I'm wrong for letting you listen to some of these songs... But you do have ME as a mother... You also like some kanye but I won't list those songs... I'll definitely be in trouble.

Favorite shows: Phineas and Pherb, Any of the Marvel Comics shows, Spongebob

When I wrote this letter last year you were on your way to peeling crawfish all by yourself. This year, you have mastered the art! You have a great appetite and love to try new foods.

Your favorite things to do are to go by ginos and see your mawmaw and just visit with friends in general. You are constantly asking to go by the restaurant, to stop by your nannys or visit with Kenna, James or Charlie. You are definately a social butterfly and it's already difficult keeping up with your schedule. I can't imagine how it will be in a few years.

You are and always will be my sweet girl.

Happy Birthday!

I love you,
Mommy

The Bead

2009-01-06T21:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Grace,
Today, you stuck a bead in your nose at school. You were making crowns for the epiphany and decided the purple one that was too irresistible and just stuck it right in your left nostril. Your teacher, Ms. Sonia, called to tell me. My 1st reaction was to laugh. Don't ask me why..I laughed when you fell off the bed as an infant and when you fell off your swing set when you got a little older. I don't mean to...it's what comes out. So after she told me you were calm and ok..but just had a bead up your nose.... I left to pick you up and take you to the dr. We had to go to Lake After Hours b/c your doctor couldn't fit us in, as it was the end of the day... The dr was very nice and you were as still as you could be while he stuck tweasers in your nose to remove the tiny bead...but he couldn't get it out. So, he told us to see another tomorrow and go on home. Later, after you'd eaten and taken a bath, we were sitting in bed and you said you thought you felt it. You asked to go get a tissue to blow your nose again and you blew it out...all by yourself!!! The look on your face was priceless as you looked at the little snotty purple bead sitting on the tissue, so excited, so accomplished. And you said MAMA, I DID IT!! I GOT THE BEAD! I was as equally excited. It was as if you'd found a diamond in your nose. I have cleaned and kept the bead for future reference and harrassment. It will be a long time before you live this one down, sister. But while I was at the dr with you and watching them try to take the bead out of your nose, I realized how sad I would be if anything ever happened to you. I hope you know how much I love you and will do anything I can to stop you from getting harmed... but work with me, girl..and dont stick foreign objects in your nose.

Love, Mommy

You are 4!

2008-06-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

Dear Grace,

I usually write this letter before your birthday. This year, it didn't come to me until after...

The day you turned 4 was a very emotional day for me. I kept wondering where all the time has gone. It doesn't seem like 4 yrs... Maybe 2. I wanted to check my math and subtract 2004 from 2008 a million times just to make sure. I feel like I've missed some things and should've kept you home more... Taken you more places.. Done more things. But then I think about all we do together as a family and just me and you.. (I don't know many 4 year olds that have been to Jazz Fest in NOLA, seen Santana in concert, rock DC shoes to day care every day and has an open tab and table at Gino's). We have so much fun with you. Your spirit is so strong. People stop me all the time and tell me how beautiful you are.. And its so true. For the most part you are kind and polite and have started using please and thank you more. Sir and mam are still an issue. You have your moments believe me. You are not above throwing a tantrum and screaming I DONT LIKE YOU MOMMY. YOU'RE NOT MY FRIEND ANYMORE. (as you did just last nite because you didn't want to go to bed). But you always come and apologize...

You are obsessed with babies and are constantly caring for all of your babies. I will walk in your room at times and there will be babies all over the floor and bed ... All on pillows and covered up. Recently, Ninny and Aunt Teri (who you've started calling uncle teri) had their babies.. So you walk around with babies under your shirt saying 'Mommy... Theres a baby in there and its coming out...' You like to pretend you are the Mommy and/or the teacher and tell everyone what to do. It's really cute.

You really like Dora, Diego, Sponge Bob and Strawberry Shortcake right now. Currently, your favorite song is Doin Somethin by Soulive. Everytime I put it on, you start to dance! You are loving soccer and about to start your 2nd full season in the fall.

You are a true cajun girl at heart. You love to dance, eat and hang with your friends and family. You even love boudin and learned how to peel your own crawfish this year!! What more could I ask for?

So proud.

Love you, Mommy

Latest Art Work

2008-05-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

dragonfly

lady bug

caterpillar
butterfly

3 and a half...whew

2008-01-24T08:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Grace,

You are 3 and 1/2 now...and what a busy time it is. There's a few things I want to tell you about so I don't forget them. Time has a way of slipping away and you forget the little things.

We started you in dance class in September. Ballet, Tap and Jazz. You seemed so excited when we went to try on your shoes and get your leotard. You put on your tap shoe and tapped a couple of times with one of your feet..and you really seemed like a natural.

Then, we went to the 1st day of class...and you did not want to go. You cried and cried. I figured since you were in the class with your friend from day care, Ava...you would want to go and like it. You didn't, but we kept at it... and after taking you to class several times screaming..you finally started to like it..and seemed genuinely excited to go to dance class. If I didn't see an interest in you to begin with, I would not have pushed it.. but you really seemed to be catching on and liking it. Then we had Christmas break..and everything seemed to fall apart after that. You screamed and screamed when it was time to go back to dance class. I pushed it for one more class, then... I gave up. I tried. You tried. But you just don't like it. I mean, you like to dance but you don't like the class. You tell me you're scared. I think you might be scared of all the other kids. I used to be intimidated like that when I was little. I thought I could help you past it with a little pushing and encouragement..but it didn't work. So, we went to the bakery, bought you a donut and went home. I hope this does not discourage you if you want to try something in the future.

dance class

2007-09-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Grace,

Today you started dance lessons. Ballet, tap and tumbling. A few weeks ago, we went to the school, signed you up and had you fitted for your shoes. You were so excited. Ava, from your class at day care, joined up with you..and you were all ready to go...until it was time for class and I walked out. Then, I sat on the other side of the 1 way mirror and watched you cry for 1 hour and 15 minutes. It broke my heart. You said it scared you and you don't like it.

After dance class, we went to mawmaws for spaghetti...and you showed everyone in the lounge the dance steps you'd learned at class. I think once you go a couple more times, you will be the best dancer in class. We just have to keep at it.

Your favorite song right now: Mercy,Mercy,Mercy - Rebirth Brass Band/Maceo Parker

Happy 3rd Birthday Grace

2007-05-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Grace,

I realize this is a little early..but I have to write these when the mood strikes me - and despite the fact that you technically won't be 3 until 5/21 - you seem to have mastered the art of being 3 already.

I've just finished re reading my letters from the last 2 years and I have tears streaming down my face. Lots of things have changed in the last year..but some have stayed the same. Your best friends are still Kenna, Ava and Ben. You truly do love them and it's been amazing to watch you all grow up together. Sometimes, Aunt Teri will call and tell me that Kenna wants to talk to you..and you guys will have a full blown conversation on the phone. Instead of putting just 2 words together, you are talking in almost complete sentences now and have been working on your own little 3 yr old version of trash talking.

We still listen to music a lot and your current favs for the year are Fergalicious by Fergie, Live Wire by The Funky Meters and Paid in Full by Eric B and Rakim. We listened to A LOT of the Charlie Brown Christmas over the holiday and it was hard breaking you of it after Christmas was over.

Your favorite shows right now are Little Einsteins, Higgly Town Heroes and Micky Mouse Clubhouse.

You have already started playing soccer. You attended your 1st soccer camp this year and by all accounts did a great job and had a wonderful time. You are very fast and can run while kicking a ball - which is something you got from your daddy b/c I can't even think about running w/ a ball without tripping.

You love to eat and still love to go to Mawmaws and eat spaghetti. Mawmaw will cook you anything - as exemplified on Good Friday, when we went by her restaurant after the Easter Bonnet Parade and you requested "chicken and spaghetti" --and she came out with a huge plate of chicken parmigiana for you. You are a lot like your MawMaw. When there is food in the kitchen and anyone walks thru, you harrass them by saying EAT repeatedly until they eat something -- and you begin a lot of your sentences with the work "LOOK." Both are things she does and I find myself calling you Grace M b/c you act like her so much.

You still love to be outside and we are getting you a new swing set for your birthday. We were at Kenna's a couple of weekends ago and you were so frustrated that you could not swing yourself like Kenna can. It is a rite of passage. You will learn soon, grasshopper.

You have a cat named Beatrice and a fish named Juan. You love feeding them and taking care of them. Each morning you make a point to feed Bea befoe we leave the house.

We just got you out of your crib and moved you into your big girl bed. It is so funny to watch you sleep. I will put you to bed and tuck you in all nice and neat and I will go in there to check on you later -- and find you on top of the covers and sideways in the bed with your arms and legs spread out as far as they will go.

There are so many things about you that I just can't seem to put into words. You just have to see and experiencere it to believe it. Your personality has really started to come out and I am proud to say that at 3, you have already become what I'd hoped you would be, a loving, caring, beautiful person. You have your 3 yr old moments...but for the most part, you love to be around your family and friends and show it by your affection towards them.

My wish for you this year and always is that you see and recognize how beautiful and loved you are. You have already exceeded my expectations. It is my job now to help you find your passion and explore who you really are - so that as you grow older you can and will feel comfortable and confident with yourself. Your passion is what will drive you - the comfort I will help you find within yourself will keep you sane and grounded.

I love you, Grace. More than you will ever know. I hope that one day (not too soon, but one day) you will experience this kind of love with your own child.

Happy 3rd Birthday!!

I love you,

Mommy

2 years old

2006-04-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Grace, Next month, you will be 2 years old. Hard to believe, but true. People always told me that kids grow up too fast...I didn't think they meant THIS fast. I just re read the letter I wrote to you last year. So much has changed since last year. You are now talking...and putting words together. You tell me "Mommy, I ready" when you're ready to get out of your highchair... You love to swing and sometimes when I pick you up from daycare, we stay late so I can swing you ..and you laugh so hard. It's hilarious. You scream... "I SWING!!!"Your best friends at daycare are Ben and Ava. You love them both and love to hug them and chase them around. Your teachers adore you and you like to stop by their classrooms and give them high 5's or knucks on our way outside in the mornings. Your best friend outside of day care is Kenna. It's evident that you think she is the coolest girl ever. You follow her around and imitate her...smiling and giggling the whole time. You have this funny grin on your face when you are with her...it's almost as if you can forsee the "trouble" you 2 might get into together when you grow up...You like to listen to music and dance in the car. I can't imagine where you would get this from... Currently, you like Elmo, Barney and the Doodle Bops....along with several jazz and hip hop artists (including Miles Davis and Zap Mama). You have a very eclectic taste... Every nite, when you go to bed, we sit in the chair in your room, read a book and sing a song. You like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Now, I have heard some good music in my time...but I don't think I've ever heard a sound so sweet as you singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Other things you like to do: see airplanes and yell AIRPLANE really loud...play with your babies and put them to bed... play in the dirt... pick flowers... kick the soccer ball and throw it and chase it....go to the skate park and watch Chase skate...spend time with your daddy...go to your maw maw's and eat spaghetti while Gino chases you around the restaurant with candy.This year, you are having a swim party for your birthday. I believe the theme will be Hello Kitty. Your Aunt Melissa wanted to have your party at her house this year because you love to swim so much. Everyone is so excited. I hope you know how much I love you and how proud I am of you. You are the most beautiful, special and wonderful thing in my life. Happy 2nd Birthday, Miss Goo!!Love,Mommy

Dear Grace

2005-05-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Grace,In just a few days, you will be one year old!! I can hardly believe it. I still look at you everyday and relish in the thought of your existence. For so long I thought I couldn't have a baby. When I found out you were in my tummy, it took a long time and 4 tests for me to believe you were actually in there. Still, even though you were in my tummy for 9 months and you've been alive and well in the real world for almost a year, I cannot believe you are here. This has been the most joyful time in my entire life. To go from not even thinking you could be, to having you growing inside of me for so long - to having you with me and in my life is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Everyday when I'm at work, I look at the clock and count down the hours until I can go get you from day care. I wonder what great thing you've done today that will have someone telling me about it when I pick you up. You love to be outside. You like to eat dirt (or try to), pick up sticks, be strolled around in your stroller, yell really loud so you can hear your echo in the distance and explore everything. You want to know exactly what is going on at all times. You take note of the squirrels climbing up the trees, the kitty cats and dogs in their yards and the cars that drive by - as we go for our afternoon walks. For Mother's Day, you gave me a poem with your handprint. I still can't read the poem or even think about it without crying. You are such a big, sweet girl. As soon as I gave birth to you, the Dr. said, "Look at her trying to hold her head up." From that point forward you have been growing unbelievably fast. It took a while to get you to sleep thru the night, but after that, you just started doing everything at once. You got your 1st tooth in my birthday, then you started crawling. As soon as you crawled, you started pulling up...then it was on to walking. You've passed up most of the other kids your age at school, leaving them behind in Miss Jane's room so you can go outside and play with the big kids and you're still not even 1 (yet). Sometimes I wonder if I've made the right decisions in my life. Do I have the right job? Did I make a wrong choice by not following through with other things? But there is 1 thing that I know I will never wonder about and that is you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. You have put so much into perspective for me. I no longer worry about all the little things that used to drag me down day to day. And if I start worrying, all I have to do is think of you....and a big smile comes on my face. I love you more than you will ever know.Happy 1st Birthday, GraceLove - Mommy

You Are

2004-08-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

You Are.....

Grace Brazil, Gracie, Gracie Goo, Graceous, Miss Goo, Goo-banatorial, Goo-galicious, Goo-grerious,

responsibilites with grace

2004-07-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

LIBRA (Sep 23–Oct 22): You are in full party dress now--and this probably feels good after the intensity of the past few days. You can be the light of the gathering, even though you don't necessarily need center stage. Since Venus is your key planet--and it's very activated today--you could have the tendency to overdo whatever it is that you undertake. Even if you decide to fully enjoy yourself, you'll still be able to take care of your responsibilities with grace.

Funny horoscope for today. I'm glad I'll be able to take care of my responsibilities w. Grace. It's comforting to know.

2004-07-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Pain is inevitable, suffering is not.-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English

It's strange when people leave your life and give no reason to you for leaving. I've had a friend online for a couple years now. Lately, she's been interested in new sites and hanging out with new people. I've messaged her several times, but she doesnt reply to me. I miss her...or miss who I thought she was. I have to say that I'm not sure if I know who she is anymore...b/c it's been a while since we've really talked. Part of me feels like I did something to make her go away..and the other part just thinks she's doing other things right now and she'll be back. Whatever the case may be..I hope she is doing well.

I'm hoping my 9 wk old will start to sleep longer soon. She's getting a little better. At least she's not waking up every 2 hours at nite...for now. So much about her has changed in 9 wks. She's a lot more comfortable in her own skin, it seems. I can lay her down w/o her freaking out like it's the end of the world. Her little hands aren't so balled up anymore..she seems more relaxed.
So much about myself has changed in the last 9 wks. I see things so differently now. Lots of things that used to matter so much, have taken a back burner these days...like money...and a whole lot of other things. Just as long as I have enough cash to pay my bills and keep her fed and at home during the day, I'm fine.