Ever since I went back to work in jan 2008 when Lizzy was 5 months old our friend Patty and her now 4.5 year old daughter Addy have watched Lizzy during the work day. Lizzy is now almost 2 years old, so they have been watching and encouraging Lizzy for so many of hers "firsts." It is clear to Tim and I that having Lizzy play with Addy all day has really helped shape (and in many ways speed-up) much of Lizzy's development, as Lizzy is always trying to mimic her "big sister" Addy. Addy often plays "teacher" with Lizzy, asking her to say certian words, perform specific tasks, etc. I think it has been good for both girls to have this special bond. Yesterday, my last day of teaching summer classes, was also Lizzy's last day with Patty and Addy - and of course Patty's husband Clay, who we are convinced Lizzy has a crush on...
For the next month or so I will be off from teaching. For the first part Tim, Lizzy, and I we will escape this AZ heat and head up t othe midwest to enjoy some time with our families. Then there will be some down time before I go back to work in August. At that time both Addy and Lizzy will both be moving on to something new - Addy to kindergraten and Lizzy to daycare/preschool. This is a big move for both the kids and while I am certain it will eventually be a great fit for both of them, I also beleive that there will be a certain level of trepidation and for both families as the past year and a half have been so positive.
Thanks Patty and Addy, we will miss seeing you everyday!
