Here we are at the beginning of a new year. As of yesterday I was still not ready for the school year to begin, but as we were getting into the familiar rhythm of preparing for school it just felt right. It is time. Summer is a bit like having company: sometimes you are having so much fun you never want them to leave, but it's always best to part when times are good rather than waiting until you are tired of each other. It was best that we leave summer feeling as if it could have gone on forever, so we can remember it fondly as that perfect summer.
Beginning last night she began to say that her tummy hurts. The reality of where she was going today was dawning on her, and like both of her parents she is prone to a bit of new situation nervousness. Although she was concerned about what kids would be in her class, she wasn't really worried about the rest. So, this morning, she slid on some skinny jeans and agreed to wearing this shirt (which she actually wore on the first day last year!). A "casual ponytail" was her request for hairdo, and she opted for a granola bar over the bowl of cheerios I poured because of the tummy upset.
While eating her breakfast this morning around 7am she asked me what was one thing I really wish I could do in life but hadn't yet. Yes, she actually talks like that and it never ceases to tickle me. I answered that I always wanted to travel abroad more and her response was "I hear you on that one, girl." Seriously.
I decided to walk her into to class, thinking this might help her adjust and also thinking it was probably the last time she would let me. After two minutes of hanging up her backpack and getting out her school supplies she was ready for me to go. I was allowed a hug. no kiss. I drove the two minutes back to the house before welling up a bit, thinking about how big she is getting and how quickly time passes.
It turns out, it's time to start school after all and I'm excited.
