I mentioned a few weeks ago that we’ve been having some challenges with the Preschooler. She’s never been one I’d describe as happy-go-lucky. And, from very early on, we knew she was a little more serious and sensitive than our first. Since Halloween is upon us, I was glancing back at pictures from the last few years, and these are evidence of my point.
Of course, the Preschooler has moments of pure glee. She smiles, she laughs, she enjoys people and parties. She’s just very sensitive, and I’m trying to become more sensitive to her sensitivities, if that makes sense. I feel like it’s really important that I keep looking for ways to encourage her or areas where we see some progress so I can shift my focus {and hers} from the challenges and frustrations to the little victories and joys.
So, I was pretty excited yesterday when the Spouse got a call from Birmingham telling us that the Preschooler’s entry in their jack-o-lantern coloring contest had won second prize. She remembered coloring the picture and entering the contest, but she was puzzled as to why we were so happy about the whole thing.
Me: You won a prize!!
The Preschooler: What is it?
Me: It’s a gift card for $20 to The Fresh Market.
The Preschooler {confused}: What’s The Fresh Market?
Me: It’s that fun store we went to in Birmingham where you colored the picture.
The Preschooler {with a snarl}: I won a card to the grocery store??
And, this is the moment when I realized how much more exciting this sort of prize is to me than her. Because when you’re five years old you don’t fully appreciate things like flavored coffees, gourmet meats, and fresh-cut flowers. But, I reminded her that it’s not just any grocery store. It’s a grocery store with a fabulous bakery. And, at the mention of cookies and cakes, her snarl turned into a smile. Maybe this isn’t such a dinky prize after all, she has realized.
So, hopefully this will be a fun little thing we can celebrate and laugh about together.
And, speaking of celebrations… she made a card for the Spouse’s birthday over the weekend and we both enjoyed her rendering of us:
I’m on the left. You’ll notice that I’m much larger than the Spouse. You’ll also notice that we’re both wearing muumuus. I’m not so sure about my {gray!} hair, or lack thereof. But, I could get used to lashes like that. Also, I’m a big fan of the colorful chevron pattern she used on my muumuu. Or maybe it’s a maxi dress…
Either way, I’m just glad we’re smiling.
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