Annabel would walk into the “big kid” school with me every day last year. We’d drop off Daniel in his classroom and then turn around and come home. She’d hold my hand and skip through the parking lot and we’d go home together. But not anymore. Today was Annabel’s first day at the “big kid” school and she was super excited. She woke up early and I made her an “Annabel Special” for breakfast – scrambled eggs with a bagel (NOT toasted) with butter. She picked out her pink puppy dog hair clip last night and placed it next to her jewelry box. Annabel loves to be “girly” so we dressed up her school uniform with the hair clip and pink sneakers. She has a brand new backpack and lunch box which she picked out MONTHS ago. She has been ready for this moment for so, so long. She is confident and funny and sparkly. She’s excited to meet new friends and play in “centers” and draw pictures. SHE has been ready for this moment for so, so long. But I don’t think I’m ready.
We dropped off Daniel in his classroom like we did every day last year. But instead of going home, I took Annabel to HER classroom. We took photos. She put everything away in her cubby. She gave her teachers a gift. She sat down to color and said, “Mama, can you stay a little bit longer?” And then the tears started to flow down her cheek. Oh, baby girl. I would stay all day if I could. I gave her a hug and a kiss. Her teacher came over to talk to her and she felt better. I left because I didn’t want her to see me get sad. Because I am sad. I’m happy for her, but selfishly sad for me. I already miss my little BFF. I will be thinking about you all day, Annabel Marie.
Growing up, but still so little. Still needs mama, but craves independence. You had me feeling every emotion right along with you. Beautifully written.