Because I Said So

This phrase has been quite popular with Paige since she was about 2. Sadly, at only 4 she is falling for it less and less and wants full blow explanations about why things have to be a certain way.

Take for instance our seemingly harmless trip to Wal-Mart with my mom the other day. Paige was determined to be the Devil for Halloween and this didn't sit well with my mom. Not because she felt that it was incredibly wrong for a 4 year old to be the devil, they have many cute, age appropriate costumes. No, the reason was Paige had just started pre-school at a Catholic school and my mother was horrified to think that she may show up to the class party dressed like a toddler version Jesus' rival. Paige didn't grasp the concept as to why this wasn't such a good idea and was not happy with "Because I said so" as the answer.

The two of them argued for about an hour. And by argue I do mean my mom dangled expensive costumes, one right after the other in front of her face and asked "What about this one" and then following it with some specific descriptive quality - "It's got sparkles"... to which Paige tossed out her keep phrase "No. I want to be the devil." She didn't even get angry or frustrated, which was amazing after such a long attempt by my mother, she at some point just stopped looking up all together.

Finally, after we managed to get away from the Halloween section and made it over to the toys where Paige was busy deciding which item she wanted to buy with her money, my mom tried a new tactic. She was no longer in negotiation mode, instead she picked up 2 High School Musical dress up costumes and said "Paige, pick one."

Paige thinking that she was getting an extra toy, chose the red dress worn by Gabrielle, complete with wig. After she did this my mom looked at her and said "You can not go to school as the devil, you can wear this to school and dress up as the Devil when you go out trick or treating."

"Why?" she asked

"Because I said do" my mom shot back

Paige thought on it a minute, decided she no longer cared too much about it and went back to deciding which Puppy in my Pocket kit was best. Somehow my mother managed to win a fight I would have had ending in a screaming match as I dressed the day of the party, all with 4 little words that aparently stand the test of time if you use them at the right moment.

Tear Free!

She did it! She went into school today, gave me a hug and kiss, told me she would see me later and there were no tears!

Her teacher, Mrs. Black, was so proud of her she sent home a little note telling me how well Paige did today! I'm so proud of her!

She had letter of the day yesterday - and brought an alligator for 'A' - she loves it, and show and tell! Next week - 'B'!

End of First Week of Pre-School

It's been a rough few days, but we made it through. She's fine until I have to leave and then they have to peel her off me crying and clawing. Breaks my heart.

She's fine when I pick her up, happy and talkative about how much fun she's had. I think that she just needs to make 1 or 2 really good friends that she can look forward to being with while she is there and once that happens all will be well.

She did show and tell yesterday for the first time, she brought her bag I bought her that says "Flower Girl" on it and told the class about being in the wedding. Today she is snack helper and she got to pick out what she wanted to bring, so hopefully this gets to be a little more fun with these things to look forward to at school from time to time.

My Rising Star

Tonight Paige started her first day of competition dance at 4th Street Dance (4SDC) - the name of her line is "Rising Stars".

Now I love my daughter, but when I received the letter asking her to join this elite team, I was a bit concerned. Dance was something we did for fun, and to be honest - it wasn't like she was exhibiting extraordinary talent. I'm not the professional so I trusted them and after lots of talks and Paige literally begging, I signed her up and agreed to the $58.00 a month tuition.

Well my check book took a hit tonight when I signed up. I knew it was going to be a considerable cost to have her compete, but I got a bit of Tippy Toe Sticker Shock! And 4SDC is one of the best places to learn with the best prices mind you!!!

New jazz shoes - $50.00
Possible new taps depending on costume = $38.00
Costume down payment = $100
Rehearsal Fees (at the venue she will compete) $150
Mandatory Track Suit with name embroidered = $65

Cost of daughter having the time of her life at something she loves: Priceless

Okay so that last line was lame, but I have to keep reminding myself she's building lifelong relationships, learning wonderful skills and having a blast! That's all that matters. I will manage through the cost no problem.

Back to tonight - she was a bit overwhelmed at first, cried a bit because the room was loud and there were about 10 more kids in her class this year then last - but she did great, and even came home and could do exactly the dance she learned tonight, for her step dad.

I'm so proud of her and she already can't wait until next week. What will she do when they start having class 2 nights a week! :-) Stay tuned, you may see her grooving away on TV someday!

Preschool!

Things are finally slowing down from the wedding, and it's time for all things Paige! Her first day of preschool was on the 8th and it went pretty well. Her dad, Michael came over in the morning for waffles and pictures, and to walk her the 15 minutes to school with me. It's nice that we can share in these occasions together. Paige really loves it.

She had a little meltdown when we got there. She's outgoing and the life of the classroom once she gets going, but I think she has some separation anxiety. We managed to get out of there after about 15 minutes.

Of course when I picked her up she said she had so much fun and couldn't wait to go back the next day. When the next day came, however, we were right back where we started...with some tears.

Today is day 3 and it was a little better, each day less and less tears. Soon I'll be dropping her off and she'll be shoving me out the door to leave!

Here she is on her first day, we got a special hair cut for school, bangs - which is very new to her and me. She seems to like it, especially since I cut most of my hair off the same day as well.

Me and My Brother

For those of you who don't already know, I had a child when I was 17 that I placed for adoption. He lives in California with my God Parents actually and we see him and talk to him often. Paige and Zach are raised to know they have a sibling, and they adore each other! Maybe it has something to do with the fact they don't actually have to live in the same house...LOL!

Zach is now back here in Minnesota for my wedding this weekend and the two got to play the other night. I took the traditional photo of the 3 of us and here it is. It's so weird! He's almost as tall as me!

What Did You Say?

I have a feeling that Paige may be absorbing more of the Disney Channel then is needed for a 4 year old. Every day something totally unexpected comes flying out of her mouth! It's so funny!

Take for instance, 2 days ago when Paige and Alex were out back playing ball. Which basically consists of Alex sitting in a lounge chair throwing the ball to Paige and her tossing it back. Alex tossed the ball to her and he totally missed her. Paige looked at him and said:

"You could learn something from your Grandmother!"

The next day, Paige and Staci, my good friend were in the car heading to the beach. As Paige LOVES music and tends to sing every word to every country song she has ever heard when it's on the radio, I was trying to get her to belt it out for Staci. I said:

"I guess you don't know the words to this one huh?

and I got back "Please, I could sing this in my sleep!"

Hahaha!