Proud Mama, Day Two!

My oldest daughter had her 2nd Grade Award Ceremony this morning and I am so proud of her.  Learning comes so naturally to her and she's a born reader.  That's something she inherited from her daddy, not me!  I'm so happy that this year, she was blessed with a great teacher and was reunited with some of her friends from Kindergarten.  Last year was tough for her, since she was placed in a split class.  She's a great kid.  I can't say enough about her, really. 

She has been witness to all of Sydnie's heart procedures, surgeries, and tests.  When we go for routine tests, she sits on the bed beside of her.  In 2008, when she had her Fontan, Jenna dressed up in one of their Keith Urban t shirts to make her feel better.  She crawled up beside of her and rubbed her on her head to comfort her.  Jenna has become somewhat of a "little mama".

There are times when I feel anger and guilt for her having to witness all of the things that her little sister has to endure.  I wish that we didn't have to, but it's what we've been given.  She is a great kid!  She has so much potential and hopefully, with all she's learned from her little sister's experiences, she will grow up to do wonderful things.  I know as long as they have each other, they will be okay.  They really love each other in such a special way.

Kindergarten Graduation!

Woo hoo!  I have an official, certified 1st Grader!  I can't believe we've made it this far.  It's surreal...  If you'd have asked me six years ago where we'd be in June of 2010, I would've busted out into tears and most likely would have thought the worst.  My little girl has fought and clawed her way to today and she walked across the stage this morning, just like every other Kindergartner to receive her awards.  I am so proud of her and all of the hard work her teacher and teacher's assistant have done this year to get her where she needs to be in order to move up to the 1st grade. 

Sydnie has really grown this year and she's gone from only being able to write her name and a few letters and numbers to being able to write sentences, read books, and do math problems.  She has learned to be a big girl, for the most part, by walking to her classroom on her own and by not missing us so much that she cries each day.  Her anxiety level has almost diminished and she only has occasional bouts of separation anxiety.  Unfortunately, today was one of those days when it showed itself.  Sydnie didn't want "mommy" to leave her when the ceremony was over. 

Most children who've experienced numerous hospitalizations, surgeries, and procedures have a tough time with anxiety and separation issues.  Sydnie has had a tough time overcoming her fears and she really misses her family when she's at school.  We are so proud of the progress she has made this year.  I know it will get better, we just have to take it day by day.  I am so thankful we had such a wonderful teacher and assistant this year for Sydnie.  They were genuinely concerned about Sydnie and her well being.  It was a Godsend to have Mrs. A and Mrs. B for Sydnie.  Thank God for great teachers!  They come few and far between!

Here we come grade "1"!