Tomorrow is kindergarten... I can't get the imagine of this tiny baby out of my head.  Nearly 6 years old, and so ready for what lies ahead.  I'll be holding her closely in my heart tomorrow as she ventures off.  <3 

To my soon to be KINDERGARTENER,

I've been dreading this day since the day you were born.  I distinctly remember laying in the hospital bed, numb from the waist down, starring at your big brown eyes and worrying that my time with you as a baby would go too fast.  I was right. It did go fast.  Every veteran mother always advises to enjoy every moment because children grow fast.  It wasn't until recently how absolutely true this is.  Tomorrow we find out who your kindergarten teacher will be, the person who will keep you safe and spend the majority of your week days with you.  It won't be just me any longer influencing you day to day.  And that's pretty hard to swallow.  I hope I've taught you everything you'll need to know to be successful school this year- being kind, having an open heart.  Today when you and I were discussing how everyone was different and special you made me so proud.  I wanted you to acknowledge that everyone is special and inside we are all the same.  I told you that you will meet lots of friends with different colors of skin or hair, you said to me "I know mom. We all have hearts".  I hope you take that with you for the rest of your life.  We all have hearts.  You are one very special little girl.  I am going to miss spending my days playing with you while you're at school.  My heart will be aching when I watch you walk Into your kindergarten class for the first time.  But I know you'll be just fine, actually more than fine.  And me? I'll learn how to live a new normal and figure out how to become a mom to my big girl instead of my baby girl.  Daddy and I love you so much.  You're going to make an awesome kindergartener.  I'll be waiting eagerly for you to come home at the end of each day to share your stories with me.  I love you, little bug.  XOXO 

All my love, 

MOMMY

Preschool Graduation

"Congratulations! Today is your day! You're off to great places, you're off and away!  You have brains in your head. You have feet in you're shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. You know what you know. And you are the girl who will decide where to go." 

Here is my girl- THE KINDERGARTENER!  She is officially a prek graduate, it's on to the big time now- elementary school.  I'm so proud of her! Breena had a huge heart and she's so smart. I'm grateful to be her mom.  

Breena,

You are so ready to leave preschool and continue on to kindergarten.  I am excited to watch from below as you start climbing your mountain. I'll always be here to cheer you on, catch you if you fall, give you a nudge when you need encouragement, and cry tears of excitement for you as you reach each milestone along the way!  I love you sweet girl, congratulations on your big accomplishment. 

All my love,

Mommy  

 

"You're off to great places! Today is your day.  Your mountain is waiting- So get on your way!" 

Seasons

I recently read an article about embracing the seasons of your life.  It seemed to hit home for me as I am finding more and more that my role is changing.  I'm learning to embrace, well at least I'm trying.

We went to the park today, the kids & I.  We fed the ducks, walked around the pond, and stopped to play at a few different playgrounds.  When we reached the first play set the kids ran off, eager to go down the slides.  And I sat down on a nearby bench where I could keep a watchful eye on them.  I didn't need to be right there, they are all capable of climbing and playing without a hovering mother.  It was odd to be seated while they played.  Sort of a nice break, sort of heartbreaking.  I reminisced in my head about a trip we had taken to that exact same park two years prior.  I had an 8 month old strapped to my chest in a baby carrier while I pushed a 2 & 3 year old in a stroller around the park.  I didn't dare allow Eli to get out of the stroller because he would've run.  At this time we only played at parks that had a fence, so I could keep my little guy safe.  My life was harder then, a lot more stressful and I never had any time to myself.  I'm not sure when things changed, but suddenly everyone seems so big.  They don't need me now like they once did.   The season has changed.

This week we watched our kids perform in their spring programs at school.  The last preschool program Breena will ever have.  She has 14 days left in preschool.  FOURTEEN.  After that she will be considered a kindergartener.  She doesn't think she needs me much these days.  She wants to be so grown up & I am desperate to keep her small.  This spring we took the training wheels off her bike.  I knew she was ready.  But when I let go of that little pink bicycle seat to let her fly solo, my eyes stung with tears.  No more training wheels and no need for mom to hold her up.  The season has changed.

The kids are in such a fun stage of life.   They are becoming more independent and in turn we are able to really have a lot of FUN together as a family.  I know wonderful adventures are ahead for us.  But the season of having babies and very small children is just about passed.  Soon our home will have no more diapers, no need for a stroller or sippy cups.  I'll probably cry when I drop my sweet girl off at kindergarten.  And it's all okay.  The flowers are budding on a fresh season, it is going to be different, but beautiful in it's own way. 

And to the leader of the pack, my best friend for nearly 12 years, the one who makes me whole & provides endless hours of laughter... I love you more every day.  

To the littlest one who makes life more fun for us all...mommy loves you.

To the one that turns each day into a musical & helps me see everything thru innocent eyes...mommy loves you. 

To the one who makes my days easier simply by being her sweet & helpful little self...mommy loves you. 

"Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So today is my new favorite day." -Winnie the Pooh