Big Girls Don't Cry

Today was the day. Little Miss Hana Grace went to her very first big-girl gymnastics class. Forever gone are mommy-and-me classes. Sigh. I was so nervous for her. I know she's much more outgoing than I have ever dreamed of being, and she is as independent as they come, but I still was uneasy about letting go of her hand and watching her walk into that gym all by herself. I talked to her about it and explained everything thoroughly to her. She couldn't have been more excited to go! So we put on her "lily tard," posed for a quick pic and out the door we went.

But when we arrived for class we learned that her usual coach, Ms. Betsy, was not there. One of the other coaches would be standing in for her and while I knew it would all be alright, I was overwhelmed with anxiety because I had talked to Hana in depth about Miss Betsy being there. But I remained calm on the outside and Hana went in without much hesitation and never looked back. She listened so intently to her coach.

I wish I knew his name. He was awesome with the girls.



He made them mind and was very strict with them - in a good way.

He made sure they all sat nicely and patiently waited for it to be their turn.

They were all on their very best behavior.

Although I love Ms. Betsy dearly, I just might check to see if he teaches a three-year-old class on another day. I was really impressed with him.

I couldn't have asked for a better first-time non-mommy-and-me experience.

If you listen to the background in these videos, you can hear me chatting it up with the other moms.

Come to find out, all except for one of us were in the same first-time boat.


When class was over, Hana was the last to exit the gym and the coach held her hand while they walked to the door. She proudly came up to me, pointed to him and said, "That was Miss Betsy! He's a man!" When I asked if she had fun she said, "Yes, I did! He helped me tumble good"