Dear Chloe,
this will be your last year of having a single digit birthday. Time is definitely flying. Mammy and Daddy can’t believe how quick you have grown and what a little independent lady you have become. You bring us so much joy on a daily basis (and some tantrums too but to be expected).
You entered second class and your new teacher is called Muinteoir Caroline. It is very easy to remember as your brother’s teacher’s name is also called Muinteoir Caroline. Even though you are struggling to get out of bed for school in the mornings, you are really enjoying school. You come home proud of what new stuff you learned. Since you stopped going to creche before the Summer of last year, you are walking to school and home with your brother each day. This is going really well and we are very proud of you how well you managed this transition. We don’t think you miss creche at all, but we think you definitely miss the food as you mention it to us sometimes.
The bedtime routine has not changed at all in the last year. Mammy and Daddy are so tired from a days of work that we don’t have the energy to put a routine in place where you are going to sleep in your own bed. However, last week we attempted for the first time to get you to sleep in your own bed again. This was with the help of Eevee. We were actually very proud of you as you managed to sleep half the night in your bed one of the two nights but unfortunately it hasn’t worked since. We will get over this hurdle soon together, too. 🙂 We don’t expect this to work immediately as you are used to having your parents beside you. One step at a time.
We managed to head away on a family holiday last Summer. The destination was Gran Canaria. We didn’t rent a car this time and just hung around the resort and also took a taxi to the local town to have a look around. Of course you were in your element when it comes to the water and swimming. The resort had a few slides and we went to a water park separate to that which you also quite enjoyed. One of the days we decided to go on a camel right but you were too scared of the camels so we let Matthew and Daddy go by themselves. The weather was actually perfect for you as we had a few days that were overcast so it was never too hot. You also quite enjoyed the fun fair nearby. You were not a fan of the cockroaches that came out at night. Daddy was there to help you and carried you back to the hotel of course.
You completed your swimming lessons just before Christmas. We finished on a comfortable level four. Now we just need to practice once a month so you don’t forget all the hard work you put into it.
Since the two of you have been walking from home from school the last couple of months, we have our little routine going. Once the homework is completed, you are able to go onto your iPad until Mammy is finished working. This worked well during the Winter as the weather has been miserable most of the time. Now that the evenings are getting brighter though we are going to be limiting the screen time to the evening time so you get a bit of fresh air and you can go outside and play with your friends. It has become a habit to play with your friends in the house but with the good weather returning you can start practicing your roller blades outside or go on your bike and cycle around the estate. You are very good at keeping the time you have to be home at thanks to your Fitbit watch.
Your eating habits are pretty much the same. Lunch time in school has to improve because we are now only down to crackers, biscuits, crisps and yogurts. Not the healthiest but at least you are eating something.
The clothing you wear is still mostly a dual size 8 because a size 9 looks huge on you. Though I find the sizing has changed in recent years. That’s why we are limited to your clothes right now. You will only wear certain hoodies and t-shirts. Mammy has to go and top up your wardrobe at some point.
We had a big celebration at the end of January. You decided that you want to have your communion this year. Without being baptised we can’t grant you this wish though. So, we got you baptised in a local church and you had one of the cousins over, as well as your aunt and Alan who are now your godparents. We celebrated with a dinner afterwards. You were happy about the celebration that day and you are looking forward to the big day in May. You already picked your dress, too.
You are still on the same number of teeth you lost this time last year, but you told us that you have a ninth wobbly tooth coming out soon.
That’s all for now. Here is to another memorable year of your life.
We love you very much Sugy.
Mammy & Daddy xxx
