Afternoon in the Park

It's finals week, so Mommy gets off work at 12:00 pm everyday and has Friday off. I picked Luca up from school early and took her to the park. I sat on a little hill feeling the baby kick like crazy and watched her in amazement. She was incredibly friendly with all the kids asking them their name, how old they are and if they wanted to play. She befriended a couple of older boys (13 years old) and they were very sweet, despite their "punk" look. She played soccer with them and we stayed for a couple of hours enjoying the nice weather and the afternoon off.

I know that her attending Preschool has allowed her to become more social and polite. She knows what questions to ask and how to "play nice." Another little 3 year old girl Luca was playing with wanted to get a drink of water, but the water fountain was up the hill out of sight. I told Luca that she had to stay where I can see her. I had a flash forward when she said, "Mommy, I am going to go with my friend." I want her to be independent, so I told her okay to be right back. I secretly followed them and they got a drink of water and came right back. I thought how difficult it is going to be when she is older and wants to go hang out with friends and I won't be there to protect her. Being a high school teacher has me trained pretty well and my students "coach" me on things that happen in their life and I am taking a lot of notes.

Recently, Luca's excitement about the pregnancy has matured to another level. Probably because I am VERY pregnant now, and she realizes that in a few months she will not be the only "baby" in the house. Everyday when I pick her up from school she asks the baby if she missed her and gives her a gentle hug and kiss. She will then tell her friends that she is baby #1 and baby #2 is in mommy's tummy. Then she asks each one of her friends what number baby they are. We are trying to prepare Luca with the baby's arrival by talking to her about how she feels and what she would do and how she will love and play with her sister. I know that she will be awesome, but I also know that she will have to adjust. I think the biggest issue we will have is that Luca is going to want to help more than she can. If that is the only problem we have, then that is fine by me:)