Penelope turned eleven the day before we left for summer vacation. The day was hectic for me. I was packing, finishing up a school paper, and going to dinner for our 21st wedding anniversary (which falls on the same day). Her siblings were out of the house for various reasons, work, a concert, another party. We finally got a few people around the kitchen to sing happy birthday and eat cupcakes at 10:30pm. She had to wait for her present (a new desk chair) and her birthday party until after we returned from South Carolina. She maintained a good attitude about it all, though.
Penelope continues to have a strong style particularly in clothes and music. I would describe both as chill girl vibe. Her playlist is entitled “You Like Jazz?” and has a strong mix of Tyler the Creator, Lauffey, and TV Girl.
She is still unashamedly committed to stuffed animals, always wanting to check out what squishmallows Target has in stock. She is still making herself ramen on the regs, excited when I say I'm not cooking anything in particular for dinner. She loves herself a Jimmy John's sandwich and dreams of the day when I will let her get a whole sandwich for herself, one part to eat now, the other to take in her lunch. She is wholly devoted to making her lunch everyday which includes pistachios, yogurt, a Nutella sandwich, and a seltzer water.
I've noticed Penelope's tender side more this year. Our dog is getting older and just the realization that she will die one day sent Penelope into tears. She is hyper aware of any signs of her age, noticing bald spots, lumps, limps, or an upset stomach. I don't think Georgia fully appreciates the care, concern, and love Penelope has for her.
Our church acknowledged her graduation from fifth grade one Sunday in May. They gave her a box with treasures and letters from loved ones. As she read the letters from me and her Nai-Nai, you could see tears streaming down her face. She leaned in and gave me a hug which is not uncommon. I get about 10 hugs a day from her. This one felt more meaningful though. She was celebrating growing up and bracing for the changes to come including a new school.
I've also seen Penelope’s fierce side. She played soccer this spring, and her team once again made it to the championship game. During the playoffs, I would overhear parents say, "Whoa, that little girl is tough" when she would defend against boys a foot taller than her. I wanted to scream, "Yeah, she is. That's my girl!"
Penelope has a good group of friends. One friend welcomed a baby sister who would often come to lunch at school. Penelope came home lamenting the fact that she doesn't have a little brother or sister. Unfortunately, this is something I can't (won't) give her. Maybe eventually she will have some nieces and nephews to make up for this injustice.
Penelope started a new school this month. Longfellow Middle School is the new IB option just a short walk from our house. In the past, new spaces and people have overwhelmed her, but she entered this new phase with ease and openness. Unlike her older sister, she does have a strong group of friends who joined her in this transition which has brought comfort.
She is taking mandarin and opted for art over band. She picked up piano lessons last year, reluctantly taking Julian's lesson when he was busy with the his play. She quickly grew to enjoy it. I always love to hear her practice.
Penelope often watches TV with Stephen and I in the evenings. It gives me a little glimpse of what those last two years of parenting might look like, after her siblings have all left the nest and it's just the three of us. They are going to be sweet.
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