Kindergarten, here we come!

Ellie had her first day of kindergarten yesterday.
I know.
Absolutely CRAZY!
I did ok. No huge tears, no longingly staring at the door after they'd started class.
I think the day before she went was hard for me.

Just thinking through her whole life...all the sweet moments you mentally tuck away and promise never to forget.
Her chubby little hands and cheeks, her little bright eyes shining as she smiles up at me.
All the chatter and crazy imaginative things she says.
Her bald little baby head and her strawberry "kiss" on her forehead.

I all of a sudden I felt like I needed to capture more.
Why had I felt so rushed to get to the next step? The next day, even?
More days of intentional time together, less yelling, more cuddles.
I think the list could go on and on.
And maybe that's just being a mom.
There's always more you feel like you could have done and said.
I all of a sudden have this big girl who walks confidently to the bus next to her sweet auntie. 
And I'm trying to fight the feeling to blast open the door and squeeze her little body and kiss that cheek once more.

Did I teach her enough?
Did I love her enough, cuddle her enough?
I'm so excited for her.
She reassured me she would be back on weekends to see me.
Thanks, Ellie...that's comforting. :)
She's obviously ready for school.
I'm just not sure I was ready to see her go.
They need a preschool for parents...how to prepare for the sudden feelings you'll have watching your baby girl go off to school.  

As we rode together that morning, she was really quiet and was worried about being away from us all.
And a little worried about what we'd do without her. :)
I was glad we were both a little worried.
She's spunky, full of questions, full of life and love and laughter.
It's a little quiet around here without her!

Today they have show and share.
Something they would want to take with them if they went camping.
She asked me to help her think of something because she had never gone camping and didn't know exactly what types of things you take with you.
Sweet girl!

After debating for a long time, we settled on her Pocahontas sleeping bag.
Only to remember it had to be something that could fit in her backpack.
Bummer.
Then she remembered her special doll Clara.
She doesn't go many places without dear Clara.
So into the backpack she went.
Phew! First school project dilemma averted.

Ellie, you are one sweet girl.
I learn from you constantly.
Your love for Jesus makes my heart leap for joy!
Your sacrificial love for others and pure joy at their happiness reminds me daily to do the same.
I am so honored to have you as my daughter.
What a blessing you are to us!