Wrestling

I really appreciate when Ellie's preschool teachers give us personal notes about the time Ellie spends with them.  We're always so curious to know what she's like for others.  Fortunately or unfortunately, we seem to get "special" treatment like whining, tantrums,etc so it's neat to "see" Ellie the way the world sees her.  I'm sharing today's note because it's a good record of how others see her and of who she is at this point of her little life.

Hi Braden and Ann Marie,

In my previous email, I told you that Ellie has been playing with some different children than she usually chooses.  Well, today is proof! :)  The boys in our group were very interested in rough-and-tumble play ("wrestling").  The only time we allow this type of play at school is when a teacher can be supervising the wrestling AT ALL TIMES, without distraction to make sure it is continuously safe.  The children also need to be on the mats in the big basement.  As the boys were wrestling, Ellie was watching them and then came to me and said, "I want a turn!"  I told her the rules (i.e. no hitting/kicking/pulling clothes/etc.), and she chose to wrestle with Jonah.  I also warn the children that if they choose to wrestle, they could get hurt.  Attached is a picture of her cheering on the other children, as well as two pictures of Ellie wrestling with Jonah!  I think she might have some of daddy in her. :)  This was a great risk-taking opportunity for Ellie to participate in!  She was all smiles the whole time and wanted lots of turns. :)

Lots of parents have commented to me about how friendly and happy Ellie is.  She is one of the most social, kind, helpful, loving children I know!  On Monday in the bookroom, Ellie noticed a book with pages torn out.  She went and got blue masking tape and scissors to fix it. Bless her heart! :)  I explained that we should find clear tape so we could still see the pictures.  What a great problem-solver she is! :D