Smarty Pants

Ella is at a fantastic age. Ok, I've thought that about all her ages for the most part. But this age is proving to fill me with all sorts of pride and excitement. I guess what it comes down to is I'm getting glimpse into the person Ella is going to become and it's pretty amazing.
Let's start with school. Ella loves school and is excelling. At her first parent teacher conference a few weeks ago there was nothing but good things to be said. Ella's grades are perfect. She consistently is getting 100% on math tests and 98%-100% on spelling (which is my fault because I keep forgetting to study with her...) And when others at her table struggle, she helps them. During the PTC I was all sorts of proud. Then her principle (who was sitting in just because) started asking Ella if school was too easy, if she got bored, etc. Basically, do we need to have her skip ahead. I was a wee bit shocked and a lot bit proud. As of now, she's staying where she's at, but just having it brought up makes me super proud of her and all her hard work.
Now, let's move to piano. I finally got Ella in piano! She's been dying to start for ages now and I've just not been on the ball. But I've told her that if she wants to play violin she has to take piano first. Now that she's on that first step towards becoming a violinist, she is thrilled! Again, she is working super hard and it's paying off. She's doing well and cruising right along.
Now, tumbling. Ella still loves it and continues to work hard there. She's one of the best in her class and I think she'll do quite well in it. Her teacher right now works well with her but doesn't necessarily push her as much so I think we'll try a new teacher next semester who I know will push Ella a bit more. Now, before you start saying I'm a pushy mom etc. I've discussed this with Ella and she wants the push. So far, her favorite trick she can do is still a back bend kick-over but she's working on the walkover now and handsprings. She's super excited to be able to do those.
And here is my more favorite part of this age. Ella is becoming more and more my bud every day. I love talking to her. Her interests are expanding daily. Most recently, she's decided that Egyptian history is awesome. And we all know how I feel about ancient world history like that. So we've been chatting about mummies, Ptolemys, and so on. She loves science and space so daddy is loving this age too. They go look at the stars together and he teaches her constellations.
The weirdest part of this age, is the "changing body" subject is coming up. At her well-child (she's still on the little side of things but healthy and happy) we got that paper on what to expect. Yeah, changing body stuff was on there. Of course, it's early early and if she follows genetic we have at least two years before bras are needed. But, she read the paper and is now all sorts of curious. But, and I love this, she is actually coming to me. She is openly asking questions about stuff. Parenting win! My goal has always been to keep that sort of communication open with my girls. I never felt like I had that and so when I started my period I kept quiet for a couple of days before I ran out of the pads my sister no longer used.
Now, last but far from least, Ella turned eight! She had a make-over birthday party which was blast, and then the next day was baptized. She was so excited, and so so beautiful. Definitely a proud mommy moment for me. It was a beautiful day with family and friends. Ella wanted to have cobbler for dessert afterwards and it was lovely and delicious. A truly special day.