We went over to our cousins' house for dinner because Jack was visiting from college. Everyone was super excited to see him, and as usual, he was incredibly patient with all the little kids, letting them climb all over him and chase him around. While we were waiting for dinner, Lizzy and Caroline sat down on the couch together and began reading to one another. I was amazed, listening from the other room, to hear these sweet girls taking turns reading together. Not only was it adorable to see them sharing such a lovely moment together, it was amazing to realize wow, these girls can actually read! The thing about milestones, at least for me, is that they sneak up on you. You anticipate them and imagine what it will be like when they've been accomplished, but they always seem so distant, like my kid will never, ever be big enough to do that! Then BOOM! They're doing it, whatever "it" may be- sitting up, crawling, walking, talking, monkey bars, reading- aaaggghhh! Slow down already, you kids are just getting way too big, way too capable, and way too amazing! Emerging literacy is truly beautiful and breath-taking. I've loved, loved, loved watching Lizzy over the years draw, write letters and words, begin to write stories, and "read" books. Now, she's really putting it all together and it's awesome. The thing about reading is, once you begin to break the code, it's like a waterfall, washing over you all at once, clarity sinking in. She's getting it, really getting it, and it's so fun to see!
