Well, I am officially a mom of a school-aged kid. Wow – that is REAL!

Last Wednesday, Chad, Lilly, and I drove our sweet Evelyn to school for her first day of pre-K. She has been talking this all summer, ready to meet new friends, eat lunch, wear a backpack, play the playground – all with excited anticipation. Well, the little bird did great – it was time to soar. The morning started with a new outfit, hair and bow, and breakfast made expertly by Daddy. We snapped a few pics and in the car we went. At the pre-school, the parking lot was a buzz. We strapped our little Ev into her giant Minnie Mouse backpack and, of course, took some more pictures outside the school.

At arrival to her classroom, Evelyn was confident but quiet, taking in all the noise and movement. She was lovingly greeted by her teacher with a hug and whisked to take off her backpack. She said, “bye,” gave Chad and me a quick kiss, and scampered off to an activity table. And, it was done. The little bird took flight.

There is a gratifying moment when your child moves into a new chapter of life. It can be scary and strange, but it can also be a defining moment to all the moments leading to that transition. We talked pre-K all summer. We included her in the shopping and prepping. We played and discussed all the things she would encounter in the classroom. We met her teacher this summer (and Ev hugged her too!). All the lead up to that first day was prep for that first day. And she walked into that class ready to take it on – happy heart and happy disposition.

Go get ’em, Evelyn! Shine!

 Marci and I are expecting our second child. The due date is March 19. We could not be more thrilled, and Evelyn is excited that she is going to be a big sister!

The Helenthal household this week has been a bit crazed. Chad is out of town on business, so Evie and I are ruling the roost, girl style!

Evelyn is eating everything in sight – the kid has not rejected one type of food we have introduced so far. She is eating roasted potato, squash, pear, apple, rice cereal – you name it, she has tried it – and likes it! To be honest, I was a little apprehensive about this new phase – solids. I imagined being splattered with mushy sweet potato in my face as Evelyn threw the spoon and knocked over the food in her high chair. She has taken to it like a charm – she loves to sit in her high chair and interact with us at dinner. She is mesmerized with drinks, she wants to try and take a sip from our cup, and actually does it with little spill! She likes different textures and they don’t upset her. When she is done, she just closes her mouth and does not spit or shake her head. She just closes those adorable lips and smiles to say, “I’m done!”

As for me, I am intent on working in some time to exercise and walk with Evelyn. I want her to be out of doors as much as possible. Last Saturday, we walked to the park in our neighborhood and watched the ducks. She stared down the ducks, so content and interested in their little quacks and waddles. I think about what must be forming in that brain of hers, the synapses connecting as she experiences new things each day. Walking with Evelyn has two great benefits – Evelyn is engaged and mommy is walking off this baby weight!