I will not break into a rendition of the Annie song, “Tomorrow” because I most definitely do not “love ya, tomorrow.”
Tomorrow is the day my sweet, little, first, baby girl goes to school.
*sigh*
Oh, sorry. I mean…
“Yeah! School is going to be so much fun (it will be) and you are going to have a great time (she definitely will) and make so many friends and learn so many cool things (the possibilities are endless).”
We went shopping for her first day of school today. She got to pick out a new outfit. She picked out a new dress. Naturally. And she told everyone in Target that she is going to wear it tomorrow.
“For my first day of school!” – she practically sang it.
I know she is going to be amazing and it is part of her growing up (and away from me). And I can sit here all afternoon, teary-eyed and tell myself that it will give me much needed alone time with Addie. Em needs a new challenge, to stretch her wings out. To grow. It is so necessary. And it is good.
But why does it have to break my heart so?
In February Zoe started going to “school”. We signed her up for a toddler program 2 days a week (from 9-12). As much as I knew she would LOVE it… the first day I went out to the car and cried after I dropped her off.
It’s heartbreaking to let them go off to school for the first time. Even if it *is* preschool. I remember taking Jacob to school for the first time. I held back each tear that tried to surface. He was so precious, grasping my hand as we walked down the sidewalk. And then there was Miss Katelyn who loved the idea of school…until it was time for me to leave!! I have a poem we even wrote for her teacher to remember her journey. Tomorrow will be difficult but as you said, very much a part of her growing up. Remember that you have done a remarkable job thus far and it will be obvious to those that surround her. Enjoy your time with Addie and best wishes to Miss Em on her first day of “school.” Sending you fellow mommy hugs (and strength to let those tiny, precious little hands go…for just a couple of hours).
Oh Carrie! what a big, big day for you and your little Em! Watching them grow up, up and away is such a proud and sad thing for us mothers. But she WILL have a grand time, and you and Addie will have a grand time, and Em will come home bursting with stories to tell you.
And remember, you can keep telling yourself it’s “camp” if that helps.
)
I’m sitting here, tearing up as read this… crazy, I know! Maybe that’s the reason I haven’t signed Lauren up for a real pre-school. The HS program is only an hour and a half, so it doesn’t feel like school to me. Plus, it’s still several months away.
Good luck to you tomorrow. We’ll be thinking about you as we’re heading down to Grandma’s house.
Em hope you have a great FIRST day at school tomorrow. Care I remember the first day that you went to preschool. It broke my heart. But when you came home bursting with so much excitement of all of the kids you met and things you did and made, it maded my heart happy again, knowing I was giving you the chance to spread you wings. And I knew you would always come back home to me, each and every day.
Love
Mom & Nana
Your note and thoughts didn’t surprise me at all!! But I love what Becky said and I sure echo it: “You have done a remarkable job” — and given the choice — you know this is best for Em so that she can continue to be the fantastic person you have raised her to be so far. I hope you and Addie will have a great time — and that Em;s joy when she comes home will be a great reward for you for doing what you know is best for her! I am sure Em is more than ready and that is a compliment to you as well! You will be in my thoughts as you take the next step in many many years of “firsts” for Em!
Love you,
Aunt Vicki
I am sure it will be hard, but it also will be fun for her. My kids are in daycare all day, so I am pummelled with their “artistic” works and they tell me about their friends. Sometimes it is trying, but when I get regaled with all they did during the day I know that their teachers do such a good job in occupying their little minds. She will have a blast…and look so pretty in her new dress, I’m sure.