Proud.

Today was Leo's last day of his first year of preschool. We're feeling so proud of him & his growth over the past year. He's such a full fledged kid these days, enjoying games, and has become such a vibrant conversationalist. He's had a really momentous year with a move to California & becoming a big brother, becoming a student. And done so well with it all - he's loved school so much - loved his cubby, lunch box, outside play yard, observations of what the other kids play and talk about and bring in their lunches. We've learned so much about him - he's such a keen observer of the world around him. He stays at school by himself. He does puzzles, art projects, uses the potty, knows all the shabbat songs, follows his teacher around asking questions and seeking out books on "dinosaurs being extinct." He's made friends. The kids all know him and call his name on the playground and outside in front of the school where his crowning achievement was getting up the courage to slide down the cement banister like all the other kids were doing. Today he slid like a pro.

Here he is with his class & beloved teacher, Elaine, whose songs he's always imitating on the uke. Lately he's been writing his own songs - we're enjoying such titles as "horseflies will bite you if they're mad," "and "I love you Rosie." Today Elaine called Leo "a real intellectual." I thought some of our blog audience might enjoy that. You know who you are.