(An abbreviated) nine-year update
A very quick, bulleted look at Zoe at nine:
- She remains a (relatively) mature and big little kid — one who is prone to acts of kindness and goodness. She continues to astound me at times with her level of empathy and all-around sweetness. (This despite her going through what I called a challenging stage when she was 8.5.)
- She loves school and does really well in it (especially in math, reading and writing); when summer arrived this year, she was sad about the school year ending – saying she prefers Brandeis over any camp. And she came home from her first day of school this year saying that third grade was the BEST grade and that she loved her teacher, Ms. Galante.
- One of her favorite things in the world to do is read; this is a common sight in our house. (And, yes, Harry Potter is still a love hers; by now she’s read every book at least twice.) We recently discovered a cool used bookstore in Half Moon Bay, and it’s now one of her favorite places to visit.
- She also loves playing make-believe school, doctor’s office, and restaurant (and tea)Â with her sister; the duo spends ton of time together in the back play area or downstairs.
- Related, she says she wants to be a teacher when she grows up (and she looks the part, too).
- She’s very organized and loves making lists – especially to-do ones (like for her recent party). She was totally in her element when she visited my office recently; she immediately set up her own little work area and proceeded to play “office” for weeks afterward.
- She’s still best buddies with Zachary, though she now has stronger friendships with girlfriends than ever before.
- She still sleeps with her beloved Hippo, and she still insists that I sing the “Grandma and Grandpa” song to her every night.
- And, of course, she’s still tall for her age – and she has has impressive-sized feet (women’s size 7) to boot!
-M