This is my first blog post in the new web journal. I am Zannah's mom, Zan, and this is where I like to boast and brag about my little one. Welcome everyone!
Zannah has been taking a long break from competing in pageants, she's been busy dancing all year, as well as being a new big sister to triplet siblings. We decided to honor her request to compete in pageants again, to be sure that she receives the applause and attention she needs from us as parents. All is well, she adores playing dress-up and attending her new modeling classes.
It has been overwhelming for her to not be the only child anymore, especially to the arrival of three new babies. The child never left my side for a second through the pregnancy, and saw me go though a lot of pain throughout it. Most of the hospital staff new her by name, and she became a regular in the "big sister class" at the hospital. I will never forget her sweet little puppy dog eyes peeping in the NICU window, seeing me hold the babies for the first time. It broke my heart to think about what she must have felt, hoping that she did not feel less special to us. Zannah will always be my first baby, we are very close to one another, and always will be.
Recently I built Zannah a new pageant website, and included this journal for guests to read. It is all still under construction, but it is a good start so far. Zannah was excited to see her new site, and even helped me to pick out the colors. It has been a special time for me to give her my individual attention, that has been the best part of the process. I love to see her smile!
So, other than that, we decided to go to AGG Nationals in Gatlinburg this year. It has been extremely hectic trying to get everything together to prepare her for that kind of competition. Our main focus though is just to have fun, not to mention a wonderful (MUCH needed) family vacation. No matter the outcome of the competition, having a good time with friends and family is what I want her to enjoy the most.
Now me on the other hand, I'm pretty stressed, just trying to get everything done on time. Whew...Juggling the kids, her (modeling and dance) classes, and running all over town getting things together; Let's just say, I'm going through pots of coffee like it is Starbucks. But it is all worth it! Just to see her little sweet face light up when we cheer her on, that is what keeps me going. I can truly say, as a parent, I'm in it for my kid! Everything I put into preparing her is to bring joy into her life.
The child loves nothing better than to be onstage, and I don't have to wonder where she gets that from. I've raised her in a very cultural and musical environment, where she has traveled with me to different music venues and performances of my own.
Soon enough I will be re-opening my studio and production company, where she and her siblings will have better opportunities in the area of performing arts as well. For now, pageantry is an outstanding opportunity for her to get some stage time and more experience with the audience. Any pageant winnings will be fabulous, and, any losses will just be applauded as doing her best. The most awarding part of the experience is to see her make new friends, and to enjoy herself.
Each night she asks me to put on her music to practice her talent routine. Very seldom do I have to suggest to her to practice, because she is constantly singing and tap dancing around the house. Now she is into showing me her "pretty feet" and modeling. We still have some polishing to do in that area, but it is coming along so far.
We look forward to seeing all of her pageant friends again, as well as making new ones. Thanks for stopping by the web journal to read about the latest happenings in our lives. We can't wait for Nationals! And Zannah would like to wish all of the other contestants the very best, as she will also be there to cheer everyone else on as well.
Pageant hugs to you all!!!