I Want to be Like My Daughter When I Grow Up!

Yes, I'm sneaking up on my 34th birthday, but I want to be like my 5 year old! I know many of you understand, but I'll still explain. 

It was a big week at the Yazwinski house. We're slowly (or not so slow if you ask me) approaching the elementary school stage of our lives. WHAT?!?!? I'm not quite sure how this has happened, but it's getting real...and it's getting real FAST! (ok, I know...slow or fast...I need to pick a speed, but I just can't wrap my brain around it!)

I digress. Anyway, I'm so proud of our first born. Stella is beyond excited about kindergarten and was ready for the open house to explore her future school and meet her potential teachers. Before we even registered for school she told me she wanted to ride the bus the first day. Gulp, but I'm proud of her confidence and eagerness to try something new.

 My heart skipped a beat as wee were heading into the school my independent Stella ran up and grabbed her daddy's hand. She wasn't nervous or one bit hesitant, but instead she was proud to kick off this new journey (and if we're honest, was probably reassuring daddy that this was going to be "ok"). It also reminded me that while I know she's ready to take on the world, she is still 5 and likes to hold our hand.

So while I knew Stella would know a few friends from preschool, the gym, church etc...I wasn't prepared for just how social she really is. As we were waiting for the "welcome" to start, Stella was working the room saying hi to friends she just met at the park THAT day, hugging "old" friends, introducing her gym friends to her buddies from church, and making sure WE noticed each and everyone of those little people in her life. She was smiling from ear to ear. Friends from "all" over coming together---I could just tell she knew kindergarten was going to be amazing!

When we moved here less than 2 years ago, I prayed the girls would adjust well and make friends. Prayers answered!

After a quick welcome to the Class of 2028 (wait, WHAT?!?!) Stella was off to check out the kindergarten classes and meet the teachers.

We checked out the art projects, work tables, desks, and even some tadpoles. She was soaking it all in while Tom and I were still trying to wrap our mind around this new adventure just a couple months away.

BUT, then she did it! She walked straight up to one teacher and said "Hi Mrs....I'm Stella! Thanks for letting me see your classroom." Then the next class, the same thing! She was so eager to know the teachers and for them to know her. She wasn't one dot shy, nervous, or hesitant. She stood tall, shook their hands, and never doubted this was right where she needed to be!

So, THAT's why I want to be like my daughter when I grow up. I want that youthfulness that isn't jaded or judged. I want to stand tall, walk into a room and never question my reason for being there.

As we grow older, we lose that innocence, we start doubting our purpose, we compare ourselves to a fault, we are friends with certain people while we aren't fans of others, at times we even forget who we are. Let's face it--- in a world where we're told how to look, act, parent, etc, etc we sometimes forget to stand tall and accept that no matter how flawed we may be we're the perfect version of who God created us to be.

So instead of letting those evil comparisons get in my head, Stella reminded me to LIVE life, stand tall and take on the world! Instead of getting caught up in cliques, or the he said she said dramas...I want to be confident in who I am and not worry about what the world or what others say is right or wrong. I want to be REAL.

While her world may include the ABC's, a new bus route, and fun art projects she's taking it on with gusto. She's ready to get to know the teachers, meet knew friends, introduce old friends to new friends, and  have fun.

This week Stella reminded me we were all innocent once. Yes, life happens and it's not always pretty but little reminders to accept everyone no matter who they are, how they dress, how they parent, what they wear, drive, where they live---you get the idea. I know we wont always play nice in the sandbox, but it sure is nice witnessing my daughter eager to see the friends she loves, love each other. I know they wont all be best friends and times will change, but right now it's refreshing!

I'm thankful for my social butterfly! I pray that she'll seek out the shy/nervous kiddos when kindergarten kicks off and be used as a tool to help that transition of to a new school be a little less scary.

And while I fully expect to go through a box of kleenex the first day month of school, I am excited  to see how God uses my little Stell-Bell.

Stella with her friend Addison. Watch out kindergarten...you have no idea what's headed your way!

"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

1 Timothy 4:12