Pomp and Circumstance

Katherine's kindergarten graduation was yesterday. She had been anticipating this day for weeks, as they had been practicing their songs and lines at school tirelessly. She had to get a special dress and talked frequently about the importance of graduation. The whole kindergarten graduation thing is kind of funny; it's not like she isn't going back to the same school next year (or the next seven years after that!), but it turned out to be a really, really fun way to reflect on how much she has grown this year.



Katherine and I have pretty similar personalities. Mike reminds me all the time that she gets her firey temper from me. Already at age six we have already had some doosey arguments about what she is going to wear to school or how she wants her hair. She is incredibly head-strong and independent. I can only imagine what she is going to be like as a teenager.



Over this past year, I have seen her become more confident in herself. She has grown socially; making lot of new friends and learning how to be a good friend. Academically, it is hard to believe she is the same kid she was back in September. My girl is now a fluent reader who takes every opportunity to learn something new. I hope her love of learning continues!



She continues to be a great big sister. Yes, we need to remind her daily to give her sister space and not to hug her too tight, however, I have a feeling that Katherine is always going to be Charlotte's biggest fan. The other day, Katherine was sitting at the table with Mike and I, and Charlotte was bent into some crazy configuration (which usually mean her feet are on the table!) in her high chair. Katherine says to Mike, "You know dad, babies with down syndrome are more flexible. I read that in a book." I quickly assured Mike that no, I had not given Katherine the crazy scary informational books on Down syndrome we had received up Charlotte's diagnosis, but instead "We'll paint the Octopus Red" had just come in the mail and Katherine was quick to want to read it. Katherine has taken some interest in Down syndrome the past few months, asking questions and wanting to learn more. They say a lot of times kids who have siblings with disabilities a lot of times end up choosing to work in fields which involve people with special needs. Katherine is a little young for me to make this prediction, but I do feel that she is going to be a great advocate.



You could see the excitement on her face as she walked into her classroom for the first part of the graduation ceremony. The kids sang songs, read a poem, and took turns telling us what they want to be when they grow up (Katherine: "a teacher"). Katherine had an amazing kindergarten teacher this year who truly cared for each of her students. Miss Hoffman also read a poem, which caused her and the rest of us moms (and maybe a few dads) to shed a few tears, as she spoke about how much the kids had grown.



After she received her reward, she ran back to show us, but instead of hugging Mike or I, went right over to Charlotte, picked her up and spun her around. She is so proud of her sister.



My rockstar almost 2-year old made it through the entire two hour ceremony (which was during nap time as well!) with ease. She clapped at appropriate times and squealed when she liked a song. Will also did well (with a bit of help from the iPhone, hah!), and wanted to know why he couldn't go to Kindergarten next year.



In the words of Katherine, "On to the next graduation....8th grade!"