When your child grows up

Alyssa started preschool. The night before I asked her if she wanted a special breakfast for her first day of school. It was already after 8 PM and assumed the request would be pancakes or waffles. She nodded her head, thought for a moment and then said, "Cinnamon rolls". And cinnamon rolls it was.

Despite it being almost 9 PM by the time I put them together, Alyssa was still awake and happy to help. This really isn't unusual. We have lots of late nights. Alyssa is a night owl just like Erik. I let her come help. I value the things we do together and though, like any sane mother, I like my time alone, I am also thankful for the times we can do things together. And I was feeling like I needed to spend every moment I could with her before I sent her off to school.





The next morning she woke up bright eyed, ready to go to school. She got dressed, ate breakfast, and was anxious to leave! I drove her to school, anxious to un-sign her up from school and keep my girl home with me forever! She was fine with me doing the car drop off so I drove up, she hopped out, and didn't even wait for anyone to escort her in. They asked her if she knew whose class she was in, she said yes and then went forward, not ever looking back!

It will be an exciting year for her. It is hard for me to let go. We do everything together and now I have 9 hours a week where we aren't doing something together! As I watched her walk into that door, I felt like a piece of my heart was leaving me, now so vulnerable and unprotected. But she will be ok. She's fierce and independent and so happy. I take a deep breath, tell myself it is ok, and see the enjoyment it will give her.

Oh, and this is us with the half green, half orange pepper we ate for lunch after school. Simple pleasures!