Yesterday we ate with family and stayed out way later than normal for our little one.  She was a party girl and kept up with everybody.  I know some parents never deviate from a child’s routine.  But my feeling is hey it’s summer and she’s five.  I think a kid should be able to live it up a little and have some ice cream past their bedtime in the summer.  Now, once school starts all bets are off.  She will be going to bed early and we will already be prepared for the next day; no exceptions.  My father was the one who instilled a strict sense of discipline in me with regard to learning and it has stayed with me into my adulthood.  Our little one will be starting kindergarten so her foundation starts now.  And I want to do my best to ensure it is a happy and strong one.  I had a security of knowing church was on Sunday, school was Monday through Friday, and Saturday was devoted to the roller rink.  So while I very much had structure, I was also exposed to many different things by my parents, who were lovers of music, art, and history.  The American supermodel Christy Turlington said, “When you are balanced and when you listen and attend to the needs of your body, mind, and spirit, your natural beauty comes out.”  My baby doll certainly has a natural beauty; I just hope to provide her the with the right balance.