Miss B has started letting some of her classmates know that she won't be at Heathdale next year.

She's even giving out Mum's business cards - with our home phone number written on it - so her friends can keep in touch.

Guess this is a good sign that she's starting to embrace the change that's coming into her life.

Miss J had her first swimming lesson with a new class and instructor today.

I watched with pride and astonishment as she confidently kicked off and swam, even before her instructor had signalled her to go.

And though she didn't know anybody, she was chatting away with the other little girls as though she's known them for ages.

What a huge transformation from Term 1, when she wouldn't let go of my leg and cried every time swimming day came around.

After the class, I praised her for doing well and trying her best and she said, "It was nothing Mum. Absolutely nothing. I just copied what my teacher did."

I just copied what my teacher did.

Profundity - again - from the mouths of babes.

And such a timely reminder of what we're learning at TCI: to model ourselves on those who have succeeded.

Have been asked by Beth's piano teacher whether we want her to sit the AMEB Grade 2 this year.

It's 4 months to year-end, Nov is the latest available slot and NONE of Miss B's exam pieces are in a state to be presented to the examiner.

If I say she's not ready and put this off to 2012, I'll feel like I'm letting her off easy. She has been fighting to take piano and AMEB off her to-do list, and we've been resisting because we believe music is a non-negotiable part of her learning journey.

If I say she'll be ready, it will have to be because Miss B herself agrees to commit to put in the hours and takes ownership of the process of getting from half-baked to perfectly polished.

The carrot we've offered is a holiday at RACV Royal Pines Resort in Jan, because that's her big ask.

And we've explained that a big ask has to be earned by a big effort, which means a great attitude, consistent practice and an A+ for the exam.

Miss B has said yes to all the conditions, but is having difficulty chunking it down to the daily one-hour practice.

Soldier on, we must. For the sake of the character that is being formed and the virtues that are being developed.

The girls are getting very competitive...in a not very good way.

Miss J bristles at the slightest suggestion that she is not yet able to do what big jie jie can do.

Miss B cries if we notice how well Miss J is doing, as though her little sister is muscling into her territory and trying to usurp her role as firstborn - the one who was there first and who knows more.