She absolutely loves being with the older kids at church. She never really was one who liked primary, especially singing time. When I told her that soon she would never have to go back, she positively beamed with happiness. Now, she looks forward to Wednesday night activities, when formerly I had to make her go to Activity Days. We've been talking about girls camp this summer, and Ivy is super stoked to go. I'm super stoked that I get to go with her!
For her birthday, we invited the girls her age at church, as well as the Beehive class that she was joining, to her My Little Pony birthday party. I think she was more engaged at this party, than any other she has had. We had to pull her back in a few times, but overall, she did great.
I'm very impressed with how the other girls are taking the time to include her. Many times I have seen them stop to talk to her, and ask her questions about what she is doing. She loves the attention, and I love the efforts that are being made. It warms my heart to see her want to be included, rather than being content to just be on her own.
She still wanders away, and she will always love her alone time, but more and more as she gets older I see her having a desire to be apart of the group. That is something I have always worried about. I've never wanted to feel left out. I don't want that for any of my children. It hurts, and it's a tough growing experience. I've watched for many years now, as she has been excluded from parties and other gatherings. It has always bothered me, and hurt me deeply to see that happen. I realize that in most cases it hasn't been intentional, but it still bothered me nonetheless.
The one thing that has given me comfort in a way, was that she never has never known what was going on. She has never felt left out. It is very hard for me to write this, and acknowledge what has happened in the past. I have hope for the future that things will be different for her. I hope she will find good friends who like her for who she is, with all her funny quirky ways, and who will benefit and grow from a friendship with this very special young lady.
Here are a few photos from Ivy's birthday party, and the photo booth we set up. For some reason they really wanted to pose with our little dog. Silly girls!
