The Search for Miss Direction: Preschool Princess

Today was Mikayla's big day! My baby girl (who's honestly probably been ready for school since about the first day Noah started two years ago) is officially a preschooler! She survived, Mama survived, and she can't wait to go back!

I'll admit to having mixed feelings about her starting. After Kayla was born I was strongly advised not to attempt another pregnancy, so I know she's truly my 'baby' While I am thrilled, delighted, proud and a whole slew of other positive adjectives about how ready she is for school and I have no doubt she will not only do well but thrive and excel, the selfish part of me wants her to stay my baby for just a bit longer. And I know it's only two days a week. And I'm sure that in a month or so I'll be thinking (and possibly even saying here) that I am ready for her to go even more often, the lead up to her send-off this morning was bittersweet.

Then this morning came and I really didn't have much time to dwell on being sad. We got Noah off on the bus and took the Bean off to OLS to see Mrs. Porto. I am shocked to report there were no tears (that I saw) at all out of any of her classmates this morning! Mrs. Porto even said as she shooed us parents out the door "I don't know what you did, but do it again on Thursday!" Mikayla had no problem finding her book bag hook, flipping her name card and quickly finding a puzzle and starting her day. I don't think she even looked up as I called across the room that I loved her and to have a good day.

Fortunately, I had anticipated that I might be a little bummed and I had called on a friend to meet up for coffee (she sent her baby off to 1/2 day kindergarten for the first time yesterday) and some chit chat. It was EXACTLY what my Mama heart needed this morning. I didn't have time to as much as shed a tear before we caught up and realized how glad we were just to hang out together WITHOUT ANY KIDS! Not one interruption during out time together. No one saying "Mom, he hit me!" or me having to say "Stop running!" at least 24 times in 11 minutes. Holy cow, I could get used to this! (at least ever once in awhile...) (Jen, if you're reading this I can't begin to tell you how great our time together this morning was for my heart. I am so happy to have a friend who 'gets' it :) )

I picked up the Bean, who of course survived her first day. And according to Mrs. Porto was a bit of a chatterbox. Hmmmm, wonder where she gets that. I don't know anyone else who tends to run her mouth a little bit....

As a surprise (and to let her know how proud of her both of us are) we met up with Grant for lunch at McDonald's. Extra bonus - the leader of my MOPS group was there with her son as well! I got to hang out with Alyson for a bit after Grant headed back to work - yay for more time connecting with another friend today.

By the time we made it back here, it was almost time to meet the bus! (OK, there was enough time for a nap, laundry, work, etc in there, but it flew by!) And of course, tonight we celebrated - Happy National TV Dinner Day. Just like Noah, Mikayla got to pick tonight. When we went grocery shopping yesterday she picked everyone's TV dinner for then and then requested Princess Cupcakes for dessert. You'll have to see what I came up with.

Kudos to my Bean for a stellar first day. She assured me she wants to go back, she can't stop talking about her new best bud Eli (she told Grant very firmly that he is NOT her boyfriend, just a friend who is a boy) and said her favorite part was getting to play on the playground.

Noah's off to school again tomorrow (still getting used to the fact that this happens every day, lol) an Mikayla and I are going to go do some shopping. Hot Cross Buns tomorrow and a BIG anniversary - 10 years that Grant and I have been together. (Wonder if he'll remember, hehehe) Until then...