on point

One week ago yesterday, Miss J performed in her fifth ballet recital. She rocked it!

And because it's all about the bun and the tutu...

the sweetest thing

My J is a complete water child. I realized it back when she was a baby and when nothing else would calm her, I would run the water faucet and she would melt in my arms. In water, on water, near water, playing with water - J is happy. Water still tops the list of things she loves. Music and dance are up there too.

Just about every afternoon during the summer, J and I go swimming at the community pool. She also takes daily swim lessons there. On Thursdays, we can only stay an hour or so, until it's time to get ready for her ballet class. It is the only time she will willingly leave before the pool closes.

Today while we were playing and bobbing around in the water. J said the following:

I LOVE swimming every day. I LOVE swimming lessons. I LOVE dance class.

And I LOVE you.

Aaaaaaaah. I am a very lucky woman.

J (and friend) at the pool, via iPhone

butterfly dance, via Nikon

from russia with love

The braided buns were a success. The costumes were a success. The ballet recital was a huge success.

Miss J absolutely shined on stage - no nerves, no false steps, a huge smile the entire time. What a wonderful day for her...

sun water dance

Today (Wednesday):  J and I planted sunflowers, went swimming at the public pool (for hourrrrrrrs), and while dance class isn't until tomorrow, I tried (note I didn't write succeeded) to put J's - very, very thick and very fine - hair into two braided buns. J has her first ever ballet recital on Saturday. Her class is performing a Russian Troika. The braided buns are required...I don't see how it's going to happen...

first dance

J had her first ballet class today. She was joyful, exuberant, and focused. 

I feel so fortunate to be her mother. I am so grateful to have her as my teacher.