The Big Five: Lucie

To our lovable Lucie B, can you really be turning five? You told me you'd be four and a half forever. We are constantly amazed by your recent growths and changes -- here's a quick look at incredible you on your fifth birthday.

This has been the summer of swimming for you! You are an amazing swimmer. You jump right into the water and begin swimming face down while kicking and doing your arm strokes.

You aren't afraid to jump into water that is over your head, even surprising me by doing a dive into the pool on a recent trip. Your risk taking in the water is commendable -- you're constantly pushing yourself to try new things, without putting yourself in dangerous situations. It's lots of fun to watch.

You love to be read to. Several times a day, you snuggle up next to me for a book or two, from Magic School Bus to Berenstain Bears, or any book having to do with dancing or ballet. You love to listen to books, both for enjoyment and for relaxation.

You also enjoy reading your most special books to your loved ones. One of my favorite images from this summer is walking into a room to find you sitting on a stool reading a story aloud, surrounded by all your stuffed animals. I've watched the same scene acted out with carefully placed paper dolls or all your Littlest Pet Shop animals. You love to take on the role of teacher.

Along with your growth in the water comes your determination to try new things on the playground. You got a jump rope recently and have been set on learning to use it. It's still quite difficult for you to do on your own, but you keep trying, and with a little growth, will surely get it soon.

A new fascination at the park is with the monkey bars. One recent day you spent so much time trying to get across the bars, you came home with calluses on your hands. The set of bars at your new preschool is at the perfect height for you, sure to be a favorite destination at morning drop-off.

Your imagination soars. It's not uncommon to find you on the couch, surrounded by all your worldly possessions, pretending you're on a car/ship/airplane journey to the moon/playground/ballet class. You make steering wheels out of paper plates, and gear shifts out of spatulas and wooden spoons. That old green couch goes on some pretty great adventures with you.

The year ahead is sure to be full of adventures and independence, with a new preschool and kindergarten next fall. We look forward to sharing it all with you, and watching you continue to grow and change. We love you Lucie B.!