my little baby...

doesn't he look tough?

proud.

no words.

there are no words

to describe how proud of himself

my little monkey was.

he has wanted to earn his first stripe

since the very first

tear-filled class session we attended

seven weeks ago.

we practiced our kicks and punches,

rehearsed the creed and the fives.

learned when to listen quietly

and how to yell loudly.

monkey is learning

how to get back up

after feeling defeated.

and lastly,

he is learning

pride.

ready. spar.

little monkey surprised

his mommy

who thought for sure

that he would not enjoy

sparring.

but,

even after getting frustrated

especially after trying to keep up

with this tall boy,

my little monkey

can't wait to

spar

again.