Big Girl = Bronze

This is Avah's second year in gymnastics at All-Around and she loves it. I love it because it gives her confidence, pride, and teaches her how to listen and be a part of a team (in the greater sense, she's not actually on a team). She comes out of her shy shell when she's at practice and shows true enjoyment when she gets to do experience and try new tricks with two of her really good friends, both of whom are named Ella.

Back to the reason for this post. A milestone. An accomplishment. A sign that Avah's growing up...OK, maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but this week marks the first week of moving up from "Parent - Tot" class to "Bronze" class where the girls work out with just an instructor, no parents allowed (in the gym at least, we can still watch from the waiting room). We've been talking about this move for a couple of weeks and the instructor felt that she (and Ella) were ready to move to the next class. I was a little worried only because she is such a shy kid, and can require some coaxing when it comes to trying new things. But, her eyes light up when she talks about the "Big girls" so we thought we could give the new class a try. Monday was her first night of gymnastics without me and she handled it so well! I on the other hand had a mix of emotions overcome me while I sat and watched her parade off with 3 other little girls and begin stretching without so much as a look back to say "bye, mom" or show the slightest hesitation once she realized I couldn't come out on the floor with her.

It hit me hard and I was sad for a quick minute until I saw how much fun she was having and how well she was listening and paying attention. My sadness (of realizing she's really growing up) quickly turned to glowing pride as I watched her working hard and having fun independently and without me. So there Melissa (Ellas's mom) and I sat, oohing and aghing over their cuteness and laughing at some of their quirks. We snapped pictures like crazy obsessive mom's but we didn't mind the looks from other parents and tried to remain discrete so the girls wouldn't be distracted. All in all, it was a great experience. When we got home, she was beaming (no pun intended!) and was literally bouncing off the walls. I think this "Big girl" class is going to work out after all.



On the trampoline.


Avah's friend Ella on the trampoline.



Avah on the low beam and Ella on the high beam.



Walking backwards on the beam...with some help.



Avah balancing on the low beam.