HER dance day!

Having watched the entire year of older sister's dance class, two years ago, Paige has wanted in on the same chance ever since. As she's pulled on sister's leotards and twirled around the house, I am certain she has been anticipating her turn in the dance studio. Wanting something to be her own, this year especially, we deemed dance as a "four year old thing to do." Meaning, Paige gets to fill one morning a week with class this year. No turn around after all-day school to get Meg down there. One tuition to fit into bills. I signed her up last week and we marked day one on the calendar.

Yesterday, as I read an email about the cubbies being gone in the studio due to their recent fire and bags being needed, I questioned: Why not find a cute pattern for an over-the-shoulder bag? Why not make a trip to the fabric store and let her pick two designs? Why not make a trip to the dancewear shop and let her select one new leotard, rather than shimmying into sister's hand-me-down. I think it has unfortunately been the case that she's been smooshed in the middle too often. Sandwiched between "The First" and "The Babe." I realized I should try and optimize a chance to make this really about Paige, rather than just letting the day sneak up on us and having her pull out Meg's used duds. We hopped into the car and spent a few hours doing just that...focusing on Paige. Granted, Tyler was in tote for the shopping, but...

It was Paige twirling in front of the dressing room mirror in different shades and styles. It was Paige gushing over the racks of material at Brooks. It was Paige closely watching my sewing machine transform her bag. It was Paige who woke up at the crack of dawn this morning and silently slipped into her new dance costume. Tags still attached. Didn't want to be late for HER day!

We got there in time for a few first day pictures. Slowing down enough to turn the focus solely on her, I was caught off guard a bit with how quickly she's growing and changing. A beautiful girl. A sincerely happy girl ready to head inside. A girl that is quickly gaining height and losing baby features.

If her smile before, during, and after her first day serves as a sign, I am certain this chance to dance will be a great thing for her!