Week of thanks...2011 edition

I'm back!  And just in time for this year's edition of Week of Thanks!  It's actually a coincidence that I sat down to write tonight, but I'm going with it.  And, I'm going to head straight into the topic I had on my mind before I end up being distracted and another year goes by.  I have a whole week to write about the bazillion things that I'm thankful for.  But tonight, I'm thankful that I have a little girl that is full to the top with confidence.

The girl just has it. She walks around day in and day out with a "Yeah...I've got this" attitude about her. Sometimes it's kind of annoying (I'm being honest...all kids are annoying sometimes), but much of the time it's pretty entertaining.  And...I'm glad that she believes in herself, because I sure think she's an amazing kid and I hope that she keeps that confidence as she grows up.  

There have been a few times in the last few months that I need to document so I can use such stories to deflate her when she's a teenager and her head gets too big. Just kidding. Maybe.  

She played her third season of soccer this fall on a team with other girls her age. You know those kids that are just natural athletes? They just get it.  They get out on the field and give it their all, they are not afraid to be aggressive, they are fast, they race after the ball, they are able to implement the skills they learn in practice.  You know those kids, right?  Yeah...well Hailee isn't one of them. She loves playing and she's really good...at following the herd of girls around the field.  But bless her little heart, she gets out there and plays and has fun.  And when one of her team mates falls down (which happens a lot), when all the other girls are cruising down the field to make the next big play, Hailee is the one that stops to make sure her friend is okay and help her up.  I'll take that over MVP any day. 

Anyway...we had to miss a game this year to go to a BSU game. Mind you, she's been DYING to go to a BSU game for the last 2 years.  In fact, when I started dating Greg (a BSU grad), she said "FINALLY! I've been WAITING for you to meet someone who's a Bronco!"  So, when I told her that he got us tickets to the game, but that we'd have to miss her game, I was a bit surprised by her less than enthusiastic response.  "Aren't you excited, Hailee?"  Big sigh....  "Yeah...but I don't know if it's good that I miss a game. I'm pretty much one of the best players on the team."  I reassured her that although she was an important player, that her team would probably be just fine without her. 

About a month later, we went to a birthday party that a friend was throwing for her son.  Hailee didn't know a single kid, but within five minutes was off running around and making new friends. Huge bonus to having a confident child...if she can go play with kids, that's WAY better than hanging around with mom!  When it came time for the pinata, I sat with her as we watched a couple of the boys take their turns with the bat.  Pretty soon, Hailee turns to me and says "Mom, I better go try. You know, since I played t-ball."  I just smiled and thought to myself "Hmm....not sure if standing on base and introducing yourself to everyone that ran by really counts as PLAYING t-ball."  Apparently the promise of falling candy was the missing component to that sport....   

Fast forward to tonight. Greg and I decided that we wanted to run the Turkey Day 5K on Thursday.  He's ran a marathon and a gazillion half marathons, so a 5K is just a fun little way to get some exercise in before we stuff ourselves silly.  Initially I assumed that I wouldn't be able to since I have Hailee, but then decided that maybe she'd want to do it!  It's a flat course around downtown Boise and worst case scenario we could cut back across if need be. I wasn't very optimistic that she'd want to do it, considering the exertion levels I've seen from her in the above stated scenarios.  But, I talked to her about it last night and told her to think about it.

This morning she wakes up and says, "I've decided to do the race.  I thought about it so much that I dreamt about it! I want to do it."  She has already decided what she's going to wear and "practiced" today at my mom's house by running around the tennis court.  Once.  

Me:So I hear you practiced today at Mormor's house.  Do you think you're ready?

H:Yep!  So, at the race, I have to stay with you, right?

Me: Yes. Don't worry, Hailee. I'll stay with you the whole time.

H: Siiiiiiiigh. I hope you guys can run as fast as I can. I wonder if I'll win.

I'm just hoping that confidence carries through Thursday morning. But most of all...I hope that I can keep up!