a year's end

last night we celebrated the end of adah's first year of preschool and watched some of her pals graduate: they received a big sunflower from their teacher jackie, hopped on a little stage, walked across a balance beam, jumped into the arms of teacher sarah-lu, received a diploma from andrea, and literally leapt off the stage onto a mat below, where the audience stood grinning. a very sweet ceremony indeed. i love this preschool community.

thank you, trillium teachers, for the incredible year.
adah has learned so much. at the first potluck of the year, she clung tightly to my leg, and faced a huge adjustment period. it took her a while to find her comfort zone, and she ultimately did, thanks to your gentleness, encouragement, and the unconditional way you met her where she was at on a daily basis. last night it was amazing to see her
be so comfortable and present in a group setting, and run wildly with her friends afterwards. truly astonishing to have watched her grow into a more exploratory, independent, and confident person this year.

your endless energy, enthusiasm, and affection did not go unnoticed. thank you for everything!