First Day of School

I guess most things come to an end eventually. And usually it leads to a new beginning. Today I became the parent of a school-attending child and I will be one for MANY years to come. Bekah started Preschool today and it was bittersweet.

I was definitely sad (though no tears) because I realized that she is no longer 100% mine. She now has other adult influences and friendships that I have very little part in. I'm sad that this is the first step in her leaving for college, leaving my home eventually. Yes, I know that seems melodramatic, but I am a mom, after all!! Malcom pointed out that I had already done the one thing that is most likely to guarantee Bekah's escape from home... I potty-trained her. He told me if I'd never done that, she definitely wouldn't be able to spend much time away from me and I could live with her for the rest of our lives, changing her diapers and keeping her nice and close... I felt better after that!

I'm very happy for her, to go and learn new things, make friends, make mistakes, experience life, even if it's "just" the life of a preschooler. I think she'll do really well there. When I dropped her off, parents were encouraged to stay until the children weren't crying or clinging. Bekah didn't do either, and within a few minutes, looked up at me and said "I'm ready for you to go now." I'm glad she is happy to be there and feels so confident.

When I picked her up, she said she had fun. She claimed one of the teachers (there are three) wasn't nice because "she told me I can't paint on the chalkboard." Well, those are the breaks, kid!! I'm glad she's learning those kinds of school and social norms too. She was also super hungry and ate like crazy after getting home. I'm sure the change from grazing all day to only eating ONE snack will be a little hard--I'll have to take snacks with me when I pick her up, I think!

After a large lunch (quite possibly going through another growth spurt!), when Bekah was coloring, she told me she wanted to "make messages" for her teachers--apparently she likes them a lot already. :)

It was a successful start and I think it will be a wonderful year.