Shooter Scare

Dear Mackenzie,

We hang our toothbrushes above the bathroom sink and you can't reach yours, so you have always needed someone to help you get it when it's time to brush. A couple nights ago, however, you discovered that you are now tall enough to get your toothbrush on your own. You brushed yourself and later when I said we had to go brush, you said you'd already done it. I asked you how, since no one had helped you, and you informed me that you could reach your toothbrush now. On the one hand, I was happy that I no longer had to help you and on the other, I was of course sad about this latest you-are-growing-up-so-fast milestone.

This morning, as you brushed your teeth all by yourself before you left for school, I watched you from the bathroom doorway and marveled at how big you are. You are visibly taller and your face is becoming less "chubby toddler" and more "slim big kid." You are also turning 7 in a few weeks! After you finished brushing, we had some time before you had to leave, so we sat on your bed and cuddled. You sat on my lap facing me and we just hugged and snuggled while I savored the fact that I can still hold you like that.

And then two hours later, I got the most terrifying call of my life. My friend Michelle called and told me that the director at a school near yours had received a Remind message that said there was a gunman at your school and that he hadn't been caught. While I was on the phone with her, I told Daddy and he started to change so that he could go to your school but before he could even get his pants on, Michelle received a message from her friend, who has a child at your school. The friend had received the same Remind message and called the school but the school said it was false, there was no gunman and everyone was safe.

Your school later sent out an email about the incident and reiterated that the NYPD had confirmed that the report of a gunman had been false. I am so beyond grateful that it was a false alarm but baby girl, I have not been able to stop shaking or crying since I got Michelle's call. I have never been so scared. I went from marveling over how you are growing up to panicking that I would no longer get to see you grow up. Oh, my heart.

I love you so much, Kenziebear. I am so so so glad you are safe. I am not going to tell you about any of this when I see you after school today but I am going to give you an especially tight embrace.

Love,

Mom

Broadway in the Bathroom

Dear Mackenzie,

The other day, I heard you singing "My Shot" from Hamilton at the top of your lungs. I went looking for you and found you in the bathroom, pooping. I guess if you need to pass the time while you're doing that, belting Broadway hits isn't a bad choice!

Love,

Mom

Bad Behind

Dear Mackenzie,

I don't know what you and Second GuhGaw were doing in the attic this morning but all I heard was you whining to him, "I'm trying to but your stinky butt is in my face!" Oh dear.

Love,

Mom

Happy Camper

Dear Mackenzie,

When I asked you if you wanted to go to camp last summer, you said no because you wanted to stay home with me. You and I then had a fun and relaxing few weeks together taking walks, reading, making crafts, baking and just hanging out. Your siblings love camp, though, and I wanted you to experience it, too, so I signed you up for camp this summer. When I told you, you cried because you didn't want to go. A few days before camp started last month, you told me you were nervous and scared. Fast forward to today, which is your last day of camp, and you are so sad that it's ending and already looking forward to returning next summer!

When you came home on the first day of camp, the first thing you chirped when you waked through the door was, "It was so fun!" You loved every minute of it and couldn't wait to tell me about swimming, cooking class (you made apple dumplings), arts and crafts, science and the friends you'd already made. You went to camp for four weeks and each day, you came home with the biggest smile on your face. You had a blast learning how to swim, making bracelets in arts and crafts, riding the go-karts, learning different styles of dance in drama and cooking things like monkey bread and latkes. You made friends with several girls in your group and really liked your counselors. By the end of the first week, you already asked if you could go back next summer!

Every Friday at camp, they celebrate counselors and campers who have exhibited generosity, empathy and kindness. On your first Friday, you were recognized for being a helpful camper. And then last Friday, your head counselor Leah actually called me to tell me how amazing you'd been at camp that day. There is an Adventure Park ropes course at camp (I've seen it and it's pretty high up!) and Leah said that you'd really stepped out of your comfort zone when you went on it. She said your feet were shaking on the bridges but you looked so determined and you completed the entire course! She said everyone was cheering you on and that they were all so proud of you! She also added that you are "an absolute joy to have in the group," that you are a "sweet, sweet girl" and that you are a "tough cookie." Daddy and I met Leah at Visiting Day yesterday and when we told her we are your parents, she said, "Mackenzie is amazing. Good job, Mom and Dad!" I am so proud of you, Kenziebear!

I am also proud of how much you learned in the pool these past few weeks! You started camp not knowing how to swim at all and when Daddy and I visited you yesterday, we watched in amazement as you effortlessly glided in the water and floated on your back. You looked to comfortable and confident in the water. You are a rock star!

I'm so happy that your first camp experience was such a positive one. I hope you have many more memorable camp summers!

Love,

Mom

A Flurry of Kisses

Dear Mackenzie,

You were waiting for the bus this morning when you suddenly pointed both of your hands in my direction and yelled, "Mama! I'm sending you one thousand kisses! Pshew! Pshew! Pshew!" I pretended to be hit and stumbled backward and you said, "Here come one thousand more!!" We continued this game for a few more minutes, even as people walked by our house and saw us, haha! You are so much fun!

Love,

Mom

Sweet and Salty

Dear Mackenzie,

As one of four kids, you are often competing with your siblings for my attention. You were trying to talk to me this morning but I was talking to Second GuhGaw. You cheerfully called out, "Mama! Mama!" But then you got impatient, your big smile changed into an angry frown and you growled, "Mama!" in a deep gravelly voice. Sheesh, Jekyll & Hyde much?

Love,

Mom

New Noona

Dear Mackenzie,

We went to my friends' barbeque over the weekend and there were a lot of kids there. The youngest was a little two-year-old boy named Ji Hu and you were instantly smitten. For a majority of the day, you followed him around, played with him and even got him cups of water so he wouldn't be thirsty. At dinner, you asked to sit next to him. You were so sweet and attentive! I think you really enjoyed taking care of him and by the end of the day, he was calling you Noona, which is Korean for older sister/older female friend. So cute!

Love,

Mom