Brave

Tonight Brian and I witnessed something we thought would never happen.  Maybe "never" is a bit exaggerative, but considering our past 4.5 years of experience, "never" was the feeling.

Backstory:  Yesterday, I , in all my awesomeness, got our truck stuck in the driveway and luckily have wonderful neighbors who offered to help pull me out.  On top of that, he cleared the bottom of our driveway for us after the plow had dumped a LOT of snow in it, causing me to get stuck.

So, today I was doing some baking after school for Brian to take to work and I thought I would take some monster cookie bars next door to thank them for their awesomeness.  Right away after I suggested this, Anna piped up, "I'll take them over."  Brian and I both had our doubts.  No way would she go all by herself, ring the door bell and speak to the neighbors.  She was very determined that she was going to do it and wanted to go all by herself.

She did it.

She kept asking all through supper when it would be time.  As soon as she was done eating she put on her boots and coat and announced she was ready to go.

We gave her instructions.  Ring the door bell.  Say thank you.  Tell them why you were there and warn them of the gooeyness of the bars.

We watched.  She went.

She walked down our driveway, down the road one house, and paused at the end of the driveway.  We both said, 'Uh oh...." and then she started up their drive way, marched right up to the front door.   We didn't see what happened next, only heard a little chatter.  She came walking, shoulders back, head held high back down their drive way, down the street and up our driveway.  She was proud.

I asked her what she said and her response was, "I said what you told me to mom," with a tone that said "Duh."  She couldn't remember what Mr. Neighbor said, but thought he said "Thank you."

We were impressed.  Anyone who knows Anna knows that she is not very outgoing when she first meets someone.  Nor is she the type to dive into a new situation head first.  She's a quiet observer.  She's a little on the shy side.

We have seen a few glimpses of more confidence lately.  Our little shy girl is growing up and getting brave.  We couldn't be more proud.  It seems like such a little thing to many people, but it's a huge step for Anna's independence!