Proud Mama Bear - Firstborn Cub

Warning - you should know that this post is all about bragging. It spews praises of goodness and admiration. I can't help it. I am proud of my kids, and every once in a while - I need to write it down. :)

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From the beginning, as she made her entrance into this world, Aleana has always known what she does and doesn't want. All 9 lbs 3oz of her came on her own terms... sunny side up, hand, not head first (arm was raised above her head). She was my sometimes-snuggle-er. She would cuddle if she needed loves, but if not - forget about it because she had more important things to do. If she didn't want to sleep - she didn't - for HOURS at a time. She figured out that if she cried hard enough, she'd puke - and to her that meant a ticket out of the crib (took us a while to figure that one out...). She didn't want to nurse (and oh how I tried for 3 very long months). Apparently she didn't like the regular formula either. Nope, she had to have the soy stuff. (Bleck - you thought regular spit-up/projectile vomit was bad - that soy stuff is nasty!) She couldn't stand bananas. She crawled at 5 1/2 months and took her first steps when she was 10 months because she wasn't about to be held back.

Blink...

Aleana walked in the door from school yesterday. She set her coat and back pack down, and started playing with her baby brother. As I watched Luke's eyes light up and Aleana beam, I was taken back. How did she get so big? How did she turn into this caring daughter, sister, and friend?

As I was reminiscing, my heart began to swell. She is such a good kid, and to her own credit I might add. From my limited years of motherhood, even I know that there are some things that you just can't teach.

1.) Her sheer determination, for example. She sets her mind to something - and doesn't let anything get in the way. Take student council. She ran last year and lost. Her hopes were set pretty high, so when she didn't get voted in, I figured it was a hard lesson for her to learn. But I found it interesting that she didn't show much emotion - no crying. Heck, I know if I ever had the guts to put myself out there (which I never ever did) and run for student council, and then lost - I would be devastated. I was wrong about what lesson she learned, because this year she dusted off her knees and ran again. And then lost, again. This time, the only thing she voiced her thoughts on were her feelings about the person who beat her. She thought "he won just because he was the only boy running". Well, at least she learned one lesson: Yes Aleana, boys are stupid - and they will be for YEARS to come. And when you forget - I will just have to remind you. :) That's it. No tears. No sadness. Although, there was just a little bit of anger. (Honestly? I was relieved - just so I know she takes after me in at least something.)

2.) She is quietly stubborn and will work at something until she gets it right. And she has to do it her on her terms. When we were living in Colorado, she decided she wanted to run for a cross-country running group called the Land Sharks. She wasn't conditioned for it, but it's what she wanted to do. I tried to warn her that it would be hard, since she wasn't used to running long distance. Although I should not have been surprised, I was, when at her first meet she ran the whole two miles without stopping. I asked her why she didn't stop to take a breather, she said "Because I didn't want to stop".

Crazy kid - wish I had your discipline.

3.) She is a huge help with taking care of her siblings. She a natural "mother hen" so I have to reign her in sometimes, but in general, I am amazed. She willingly plays with the little two kids when she gets home from school. And by willingly, I mean - it's her idea. If I am in a bind, and need her help - I usually only have to ask once. (Well except when it comes to changing Hannah's diaper...then I need to get a little stern - but who willingly wants to change a 3 yr old's poopy diaper because the said kid refuses to be potty-trained? I don't. Why would Aleana want to?)

4.) Aleana has a bright mind. She won the spelling bee again this year for her entire school. So off to the multi-school spelling bee we went. After four long hours of sitting and waiting and then spelling - she placed second. Second place! She spelled words like guttural and salmonella. (And so you know, I had to run the spell checker on those words just now). She got out on the word "rescind" because she thought they meant "resend". Bummer.

After it was all said and done, her teacher and the principal who both came to support her, walked up and gave their congratulations. They were amazed at the words she spelled. Her teacher, Ms. Kolbrecki then asked me how hard I had to work with her on the spelling words. She was surprised when I told her I didn't. I left it up to Aleana. I want my kids to learn - but I am not going to cram it down their throats. Every kid has their pace and Aleana just happens to be a self-starter. I can't take credit for how hard she had practiced - it was all her. I figure if it was that important to her (which it was), she would put in the hard work to study and learn. The teacher and principal exchanged looks. Not too sure if they were amazed at Aleana or just disagreeing with my parental teaching approach. Judge if they want, but it works with Aleana and that's what counts.

Her work ethic is certainly applied at school. She just got her report card and is in the top of her class. Ms. Kolbrecki included this note in the report: "Aleana is the consummate student! I have never in my 12 years of teaching met a student with such a high work ethic and zest for learning. What makes Aleana even more intriguing is that she doesn't flaunt her intellect or talent. She is a quiet, hard working, and kind student. I have so enjoyed getting to know her this year. She is doing a fabulous job on her P.A.C.E. project [research paper] as well. Her writing ability is stellar, and I'm enjoying getting to know the two women she chose to write about. Again this trimester, Aleana has been reading quite a bit. She has earned 78 additional AR points, which puts her in the 335 range of points. Incredible!! What a fantastic student you are Aleana!! She has really stepped up her participation in class discussions as well. Her questions are very thoughtful and inquisitive and I am enjoying her contributions." Man those words made this mama bear proud and a little teary-eyed.

To sum it up? Aleana is just a great kid, and I am so blessed to be her mother. The Lord knew what I needed. Hopefully I can be the mother she needs...although I still can't convince her that bananas are good for her health. :)