Tess has been very excited about starting school, and for the past couple of weeks she has told everyone who will listen: "Soon I'm going to go to school!" She didn't seem at all nervous this morning, and did a crazy dance at the door, singing: "It's a good day! It's the best day!" In fact, she put on her backpack and grabbed her lunch bag before she had even brushed her teeth.
After we got both girls' cubbies set up at school, the four of us headed outside together to join the other kids. Tess's teacher pointed out that the preschoolers' name tags were hanging in some shrubbery, and asked her to find her own. Grace, who was an amazing big sister (and kindergartner!) today, immediately took Tess's hand and helped her find her name. When her teacher then announced it was time to head inside, Tess simply turned around, galloped up the hill, and grabbed the teacher's hand.
As I watched her walk away, taking the first of many steps towards independence, a funny thing happened. My heart didn't break. Instead, it filled up and nearly burst. There was my baby girl — excited, brave and ready for something new. Becoming her own little amazing person. I'm very proud of her today — lonely, but proud.
Travelingjenny 
Leave a comment