May 9, 2024

Ugh, this morning wasn't the best. My nose wouldn't stop running, and it felt all stuffed up. Dad said it wasn't a monster living in there (even though it kind of felt like it!), just a silly cold. So, off we went to the doctor. Doctors are okay, I guess. They give you weird-tasting stuff, but at least they have cool toys in the waiting room. This time, I got a special prize – a yucky nose spray! It definitely doesn't taste like candy, but Dad says it will help me feel better. Three times a day, he says. I crinkled my nose just thinking about it.

At school, I was happy to see my friend Liam back in class. He looked a little pale yesterday, but today he seemed much better. But guess what? Now Sarah's staying home, sniffling and coughing just like I was. I hope she feels better soon too!

Lunchtime was a little different today. No yummy sandwiches or fruit salad from Mom. Instead, I had a big bowl of warm oatmeal. It was a bit bland, but it did fill my tummy and give me some energy for swim class.

Speaking of swim class, it's still not my favorite thing in the world. All that splashing and kicking makes me feel a little out of breath. But hey, I'm learning some cool stuff! Today, I practiced holding my breath underwater for a few seconds – it felt like being a little mermaid for a moment! It's still a work in progress, but I'm getting better at kicking my legs and paddling my arms. Maybe someday I'll be able to zoom through the water like a real fish!

After swim class, it was time to go home. Usually, Mom picks me up, but today she had to take a Grab car. I wanted to sit in the front seat with Dad, but Mom said it's safer for little explorers like me to sit in the back. Even though I pouted a little, I knew she was right.

When Dad came to pick me up, he had a surprise! We were going outside to water the plants in the garden. I love helping Dad with the garden. Holding the big hose makes me feel like a superhero, spraying water everywhere to make the flowers and vegetables grow. Today, though, I got a little too excited. I chased a butterfly and accidentally sprayed water straight up in the air. Before I knew it, I was soaked from head to toe! It was kind of funny, and a little bit chilly, but Dad just laughed and helped me dry off.

Dinner wasn't as exciting as the garden adventure. Mom made chicken and vegetables. At first, I wasn't too thrilled, but Dad convinced me to try a bite. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad at all! I even had a tiny piece of mango for dessert, which was absolutely delicious!

By bedtime, I was exhausted. All that swimming, gardening, and chasing butterflies made me sleepy. I snuggled up in my pajamas, said goodnight to Dad, and drifted off to sleep faster than a race car. Maybe tonight I'll dream about swimming with mermaids, soaring through the clouds like a butterfly, or growing the tallest mango tree ever!

Tomorrow's a new day, and I can't wait to see what adventures it brings!

New words:

1. Crinkled (verb): To make small wrinkles or folds, especially in your face.

• Examples:
• I crinkled my nose when I smelled the stinky socks.
• She crinkled her eyes as she smiled brightly at her friend.
• The old paper crinkled in my hand as I unfolded it.

1. Pale (adjective): Light in color, often because someone is unwell or scared.

• Examples:
• Liam looked a little pale yesterday, so I wasn't surprised he stayed home from school today.
• The ghost in the movie was so scary, it made me pale!
• The beach umbrella provided some shade, but my skin still got a little pale after spending all day at the beach.

1. Sniffling and coughing (adverb phrase): Making small sniffing noises and coughing repeatedly, usually because you have a cold.

• Examples:
• Sarah was sniffling and coughing all day, so the teacher sent her home early.
• I felt a tickle in my throat and started sniffling and coughing.
• After being out in the cold rain all day, I came down with a cold and started sniffling and coughing.

1. Mermaid (noun): A mythical creature from the sea with the head and torso of a human and the tail of a fish.

• Examples:
• In today's swim class, I practiced holding my breath underwater for a few seconds – it felt like being a little mermaid for a moment!
• The children loved reading stories about mermaids and pirates.
• There are many different mermaid legends from cultures around the world.

1. Spraying (verb): To force a liquid out of a container in a fine mist or stream.

• Examples:
• I loved spraying the plants in the garden with the hose.
• The fire truck sprayed water on the burning building.
• The perfume bottle accidentally sprayed all over my clothes!

1. Toe (noun): The five small digits at the end of your foot.

• Examples:
• I stubbed my toe on the corner of the table.
• I painted my toenails with bright pink polish.
• We can wiggle our toes to feel the soft sand between them at the beach.