My Little Ballerina

In January, Isabelle started a ballet class.

At first, she was not excited. She cried when I dropped her off. She held onto me so tightly that when the teacher tried to pull her away, I moved right along with her. She told me she didn't want to do it anymore. She didn't like it.

But when I would pick her up from class, she was fine. And excited that she learned something new. Also excited that she has some kind of treat for working hard in class, like a lollipop or sticker. Once she got a hot pink stamp on her hand and refused to wash her hands.

One day, I sat her down and talked about how important it was that she learned to handle things like a big girl. To make decisions all on her own, without me telling her what to do. There were a few other things we discussed, but walking into ballet like a big girl was definitely at the top of our list. She is a sensitive, tender-hearted little girl - just like I was. I hated trying new things, I cried when my Daddy would drop me off. I was so shy! I recognize some of the emotions she feels from when I was younger. And I'm also aware that all little kids go through these stages. They just don't want to leave Mommy & Daddy. As much as I want to cling onto my baby girl, I have to let her grow up and teach her to be excited about that. She told me one night, "Mommy, I don't want to grow any bigger. I like being a baby!"

So we had a chat. And we prayed that God would help Isabelle to be a big girl when she feels scared to walk into her ballet class, school class and Sunday School class. I pray for her, out loud, in our car as we're driving to these classes. She knows that Mommy is praying for her and believes that God is with her also.

And now, she walks into ballet by herself. I walk in the building with her and she goes to her room and finds a seat while she waits class to start. On Tuesday, they had parent observation night and I was able to watch her dance. I sat in the same room, on the floor. Not once did she run to me crying. And I honestly thought she'd be sitting in my lap the whole time! She looked at me and smiled. When she did something great, she turned back to make sure I was watching. I was so very proud of her! I absolutely loved getting to watch her in class and I'm so thankful that she was excited to show off some of her moves. :)

Grandma & Papa were able to come see Isabelle's class also! She was so excited to see them there! They loved on her after class and they were so encouraging!

She has a sweet friend in class with her, Skylar. I'm so thankful they have been able to be in this class together! They stuck close to each other during the entire class. Having Skylar in there has definitely helped Isabelle!

So, Isabelle loves ballet. She told me last night, "Mommy, I love ballet. I wont say that I don't like ballet anymore." :)

We also found out that their Spring Production is going to be TinkerBell!! Isabelle is so excited!! I kinda am too!! :)