Eliza's Doll

 

Eliza received a (hand-me-down) American Girl doll for Christmas. I remember getting my Kirsten doll when I'd already pretty much outgrown dolls--but I remember it being such a big deal to get a 'real' doll. It was a Christmas gift from my grandmother, who loved dolls. Bee would have been thrilled to see Eliza's response to the doll. I keep getting confirmation that they are kindred spirits and were/will be best friends in heaven. 

It was adorable to watch how much Liza Bee loves this doll. Eliza said the cutest thing later that day, after she'd had the doll for about eight hours. She said, "Now I finally know what it feels like to have my very own doll!" She named the doll Isabelle and still sleeps with her every night. When asked what she missed most about home when we were in Utah for two months, every time her answer was, "I miss Isabelle." I'd told her not to bring the doll because we'd only planned to be gone a couple weeks and there would be so many toys at Nana's house. I don't know if she'll listen to my advice ever again.

I get a kick out of this picture of the opposite teeth.

Nana helped her make doll clothes and I made her matching skirts.

And, just because it's so sweet, Eliza's real life doll, patient Henry.

Eliza Kindergarten Highlights

Eliza, of course, is now far beyond Kindergarten now being in 1st grade. (addendum--I began this draft when she still was, but now she's a rising 2nd grader in two weeks!) I was pregnant and just barely making it through each day and I feel sad I didn't record more about her Kindergarten year as it went on. I'll walk down some of the happy moments of the year really quickly here. The first few weeks Eliza came home every day with a crown she'd made for the colors and alphabet letters of the day. I took a picture most days and I'm so glad I did. The crowns won't make it in her paper keeping box--they were worn out with play!--but the pictures show her creations and her spunk. Both of which she has in abundance. She went just for the morning time and I loved walking with her home before lunch. She would hold my hand and talk THE ENTIRE WAY. Oh, I just love her chatter (most of the time). Her teacher was Ms Chan and she loved her so much. Her best friends were Aditi and Chloe. Her teacher told me she was inclusive and kind to the other kids, especially one little girl who was very shy. So proud of her golden spirit.

Eliza's 6th Birthday

(And now she's 7--did I seriously never put these up??) Oh, Eliza at 6. Just look at that amazing hair! She was begging daily for a haircut and a few days after these pictures I relented and we chopped off her whole length. There's a picture somewhere in the black hole of digital storage. She is stunning with long curly and short bob and any style in between. She just is. She's a light and a sweetie from the inside out. 

Eliza's Dance Recital Spring 2019

Eliza took a ballet and a tap class at the dance studio last year. She enjoyed both, and I loved watching her learn in both classes. I especially liked seeing her tap skills. I think someday I'd like to take a tap class--it looked so fun! She got to be in two dance routines in the recital. And best news to her? Two costumes! I think she liked the ballet costume better, but the tap dance better. So we just need a hybrid and she'll be happiest. The stage, with all its accompanying makeup and applause, suits some people better than others. When I was a child I enjoyed the hubbub but got terrible nerves. I think Eliza liked it a lot and didn't seem to be too fazed by any of the tummy butterflies I struggled with. Whether she continues to want to perform or not, I hope she always dances. I've seen music and dancing in her very bones since she was a baby and I hope she finds joy in movement and music through her life.

Determination and Grit (a story of monkey bars)

This success has been a long time worked for. Last spring Eliza discovered the monkey bars and wanted so much to do them. She struggled and cried and stood at the edge of the platform and gave up and tried again. It was quite the drama. Finally, finally all her work paid off and something clicked--she was able to swing her body from bar to bar. She had blisters from the major effort the past weeks. They've transitioned into callouses now. She swings easily from bar to bar. The next thing is skipping a bar (but I think she needs to grow those arms just a bit longer first!). The ability to stick through something hard is one I hope all the children learn in our house before they grow up and enter the adult world.