Amber Our Ballerina

Amber started a dance class a few weeks ago. Our cute friend Emily called me and asked if I'd want to put Amber in a class. I totally wanted to, but I thought Amber would be too shy and wouldn't participate. I put it off for about a month while we went on our cruise and when we got back Emily encouraged us to do it. That is so my personality. I always need a little nudge to get going. I'm not a go-getter. So thank you Emily for the encouragement and extra push to get her in. Amber has LOVED it! The first day was a little scary. She clung on to me and wouldn't do a whole lot of anything. She was nervous and shy. I kept prepping her for it for hours before. We went shopping together and bought a cute little ballerina outfit and tights, the whole works. I didn't buy anything too cute because I was certain she'd hate it. So I kept telling her she got to wear her special outfit, and she'd be with her friend Bailey. She kept telling me "no, I don't want to go." She fell asleep on the way to her first lesson, so I thought that was going to be a rough start! Like I said she was shy, but at least went in with out any tears. Her cute teacher is awesome and made Amber feel so welcome. She showed Amber she had candy and all sorts of fun incentives if she stayed. I was there about 30 minutes and left after she felt comfortable. It was such a fun experience. My first child off to a dance class! I felt like such a grown up Mommy with a grown up girl. I picked her up just a few minutes later, and she was so proud of herself and had stickers on her tap shoes and had treats for being so good. She was super excited and wanted to tell me all about it. She has been hooked ever since and loves Wednesdays now! She loves her teacher Miss Julie and looks forward to going.

Last week when I picked her up, she was telling me stories about her class. For the first time in her life, I had NO idea what she was talking about. We have spent practically every waking moment together, and here she is making memories with out me in them. It's kind of weird, but I love it. I love this time she gets away to just be herself and become more independent. She really is so proud of herself and just beams when I come get her.

I wish she weren't such a goof and would let me take her picture, but unfortunately she wouldn't pose (Bailey had no trouble posing). Anyway, a proud moment for the Deming family! I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures as the weeks go on!