Perhaps I was a little over dramatic in my title...but welcome to this week's edition of Tell All Tuesday! It's only 8:40am, however and I am ready to find a closet to cry in.
Today, I sent my oldest daughter off to kindergarten...on a school bus. (you can read about some of my anxiety over this here if you missed it)
I will be perfectly honest, I've been filled with mixed emotions the last two weeks. My daughter and son have been especially contentious these last couple of weeks but I also realize this is the beginning of a whole new stage of life for us and for my daughter! And this is exciting, and a bit scary too.
I was planning to hold on to ever last little bit of this stage of her life as I could...I was fully planning to drive her to school and pick her up every day. But then I realized that they work to get the kids used to the bus the first couple of days so if I ever wanted her to have the possibility of riding the school bus, I should really send her the first couple of days.
So we decided that it would be best to let our daughter ride the school bus. Two huge steps in one day (school bus and kindergarten).
The night before we readied her backpack, set out her clothes and packed her lunch. We also had a lot of fun painting nails!
I love that I will get to surprise her little lunch love notes 🙂
My daughter was thrilled as can be, no worries, no fears all excitement and giggles! And I am overly aware of what it means to ride a school bus with children several years older than my daughter. So we have tried to prep her as best as we knew how. We have talked a lot about how to choose good friends etc.
So this morning, I woke up bright and early to my alarm clock, got ready, helped my daughter get ready and my son too, ate a healthy breakfast and brushed our teeth. And walked out the front door to the bus.
Thankfully there were other moms I could talk to while we waited which stopped the flood gates from opening. And when my daughter actually got on the school bus...as I fought back tears to take a final picture of my little girl loading the bus I knew I could hold out a few more minutes until I got home at least. I was grateful for other parents at the school bus stop so that I wasn't the mom in full tears at the bus stop.
So I walked home and realized how quiet the house would be with only one child (no fighting is a huge plus side, but I will miss my sweet daughter's giggles!), and I realized that I had no plans for the day. Which, I originally thought would be a GREAT idea.
Turns out, it wasn't a good idea. I should have had a plan for today...without a plan, I have nothing to distract me from missing my daughter! Any one want to meet me for hot cocoa!?!?!
So, I think I might just go and relegate myself to a closet to cry...
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Susie
Dear Ashley, I'll come be with you and we can talk about how I miss my girls and they are grown:):) We let them grow and go...then we miss them. Enjoy that little beauty. Hug her all the time, tell her you love so very much. Take some walks to help releive any stress honey. xo, Susie
NanaDiana
Awww...I remember those days. This year our little SweetCheeks heads off to KIDDYGARDEN! xo Diana
Lil Lulu
I still get teary eyed and mine are in 10th and 6th grade. Every year that first day just gets to me how fast they grow up. All I can say is you do start to enjoy the peace and quiet. :)<br /><br />Lulu<br />www.lillulu13.blogspot.com
Ami Allison
OH my gosh! I know just what you mean. Mine has been in preschool 3 days a week for a few months now and will officially be in Pre K next Monday! I miss her so much when she isn't here. BUT, I've learned over the passed few months to utilize that time when she's not here!! I.E.....actually having time to blog surf and leave comments!! 🙂