And now you're eight. It's old, but luckily not too old. You still hold my hand and like it when I'm the one who reads and tucks you in. You still tell me everything that's going on (which I love and hope you always feel you can do) and you still say you don't like girls even thought they like you. One girl in your class told me she likes to chase you at recess. Maybe she doesn't know that I know that means she thinks you're cute. Or maybe she's boy crazy. It is second grade. : )
One thing I never thought about with kids is what it would be like to raise someone who is very different than you while at the same time being exactly like you. Because until you have older kids, it isn't something that crosses your mind. But now I'm in it and it's crazy. You, my dear son, are a natural leader (a position I only take when absolutely nobody else steps up). And just in case you think I'm just saying that because I'm your mom... I have now been told that by three of your teachers. You have no problem being in front of people (something I still don't love, but physically couldn't do until middle school). And you're so smart! There's an assessment you've taken a few times and you've aced them all, which is a score of 4. You told me that your teacher told the whole class that a 3 is great, a 2 means there are things to work on and nobody gets 4's. You are also at the top of your reading group (your teacher said you might test even higher but at that point the content isn't age appropriate so she's keeping you where you're at so reading will be enjoyable for you). And even with all of those things that make you quite opposite of 2nd grade me, we are so much alike! We're both rule followers, sensitive to other people's feelings, scared of weird things, and have the same sense of humor. And every time you tell me you don't like girls, I think back to being about your age when I didn't like boys even though all my friends did. And I love it!
You definitely think there is a right way to do things and I just hope you don't put too much pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly. I have never had that problem so I don't know how to help other than to remind you every time you feel like you messed up, that I love you. And when you say something mean, I'll remind you that we still like you. Other than that, I'm afraid you're on your own there, so I hope you're not too hard on yourself.
I love you my sweat pea. Thanks for being awesome.
