Kindergarten

My Dear Baby Girl,

Today was your first day of kindergarten. It took a while to get you out of bed. You wanted oatmeal for breakfast instead of bacon and eggs. You wore a purple shirt. Purple is currently your favorite color. I did your hair and you picked a yellow dragonfly barrette. You were very ready for your first day of school. We special ordered the backpack you picked, complete with your name embroidered on the front. You picked a disney princess lunchbox. Last night I made your lunch: peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cantaloupe from Aunt Martha's garden, dried apricots (you love these), grapes, juice, goldfish and oreos. Austin said it was enough lunch for two days. I wrote you a note on  your napkin. I hope somebody reads it for you.

I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. I still remember the day you were born and how wonderful it felt to finally hold you in my arms. You have always been a petite little thing, when you started walking you looked too tiny to be walking. You have, from the beginning, had the brightest smile. Your rich brown eyes have a sparkle, baby. I used to try and put your hair in piggies because I couldn't wait to do your hair. They would be nothing more then little pieces of hair, but you looked so cute!  You and I would snuggle every night from the time you were born until you were in your threes. You pretty much slept with me throughout that time. You loved gardening with me, and you really love painting. You love to be in the kitchen with me, and we wear aprons and I always find little jobs you can do. You are a great "stirrer" and microwave button pusher. These are all things I don't want to forget about your first five years. You love being girly, and you love being tough and getting dirty. I can barely keep you and Charlotte out of my make-up and jewelry, and out of the puddles and dirt. You were practically dancing from birth. I took you to dance classes at the YMCA when you were one, and you loved the music. We also took tumble tots, and you were so confident in what you were doing that people would ask what classes you had taken before. You later joined the dance academy at YMCA and then the MGM Studio of Dance. You love to dance, and it seems to come so naturally to you. I hope it stays with you.

Yesterday you got your kindergarten shots. You were AMAZING! You had to get three, and you didn't shed one tear! You just sat on my lap and held my hands. The nurses asked if you were nervous and you just said, "No, I'm happy!" and then followed instructions. You just closed your eyes and then it was over. The nurses were so impressed with you. You were all smiles and they gave you extra stickers. As we left, one of the nurses said, "You have such sweet kids," and she was right.

You are the best big sister. I can tell Charlie misses you today. She, your dad, Austin and I all took you to your first day this morning. We took lots of pictures. Your teacher is Mrs. A and she has a bird in class. You went strait to the bird. You love animals, well, all creatures really. (Ask me about the slugs sometime.) Your classroom has a loft playhouse with a little kitchen and I was wishing I could stay and play with you.

I didn't cry until I left your school. Austin took the morning off and we went to breakfast. He could tell I was having a hard time, and he offered the quiet reassurance I needed. My friends Emily and Melissa called to check on me. I know it will be alright. But I miss you. I am so glad that I stayed home with you as much as I could these first five years. I know that being at school is better for you, you are such a social butterfly and you just light up when you play with friends. You are learning so rapidly right now, I know that school will be challenging and fun for you. I am sad to say goodbye to these baby years. I am sad because I know from here on out, you will just grow on up. I wish I could always be with you, always be there to protect you and comfort you. I know it's time to let go some. Last night as I was tucking you in, I asked if I could just hug you for a while. You hugged me tightly. I started crying. I told you sometimes it's hard for mamas when their babies grow up. You wiped off my tears. You said, "Mom, all kids have to grow up," and then you said, "I just love you so much. You're my best Mama."

Austin said, "You'll always be her baby."

You said, "Yep!"

I asked you, "Will you still snuggle me when you grow up?"

"Of course, Mom!"

"You promise?" I asked...

"I promise! Even when I'm I teenager."

I hope so sunshine. I hope we snuggle for always. I love you so much. I am so very proud of you. You are so special and I love you past the moon. I couldn't possibly love you any more. You and your sister are my everything, and I thank God for you every single day. I can't wait to see what this kindergarten year holds. I know it will be and adventure!

Remember your manners, be nice to everyone, and always say your prayers. And no fart jokes!!!

I love you baby girl.

Mom