Basia

A couple days ago I was worrying about Basia and how I have not been able to sit down and do very structured homeschool days with her on a daily basis.  I was sitting with the babies, knowing that is what the babies needed from me and what they wanted, as well.  I remember all the hours I spent sitting on the floor with Brishen as he played and played.  That's all he needed or wanted, and I had all the time in the world to give to him.  Now I sit with my 3 babies (ages 2, 22 months, and 5 months), letting them run to me for hugs and snuggles and just being there with them, and it feels right...

until I see Basia.  Then I wonder if I really should be spending more of my time working with her.  Is she the "middle child" who is getting the short end of the stick?  Am I teaching her the hard work ethics that she needs in life?  Is the progress she is making in school enough?

So, I worry.

Then it was about time for lunch.  Basia decided out of nowhere that she wanted crescent roll roll-ups, like we had one other time.  She knew I wouldn't be making that fancy of a lunch, so she did it on her own.  She read all the instructions and followed them.  She turned on the oven.  She sliced the cheese.  She made sure she made enough to share with her siblings.  She had no problem getting from the idea in her head to full implementation.  This girl is going to be ok.

There have been many other examples like that this week, where I look at Basia and know without a doubt that she is learning some great life skills.  I look at her and shake my head and know that she is going to lead an amazing life, and it will not look like anything I imagine for her.  She will have her own plans and ideas, and I will support her and give her to the tools to succeed.  Last night she decided that she wanted to do a science presentation today for our co-op.  I had no idea what she was doing and didn't hold out much hope for how it would be.  Instead, she got up in front of her peers today and was professional and clear and just great.  I had nothing to do with it.  She did it.  She is going to be OK.

Her timelines for learning may not look the same as another child's.  She may struggle in areas that some find easy.  But that girl of mine is a strong, smart, inventive, amazing child.  Watching her life unfold is going to be so much fun!