1st day of kindergarten {sniff sniff}

Today was my baby girl’s first day of kindergarten.  It was such a bittersweet day for me.  I was so proud of her for being so independent, confident and brave, yet it was just one of those milestones that makes you tear up as you realize how fast time is going by. 

She started the day by picking out her own outfit.  She finally settled on the all pink one (from Rattle Tattle), and the cute coordinating headband.  I’m so thankful her bangs have grown out from the self-inflicted haircut last May (yes, they were *that* short, so this is what they look like after 4 months of growing them out).    Anyhooooo… we walked to school with our neighbor “M” (in green), and they were so cute together!  When it was time for school to begin, the students entered the school without the parents.  It does help cut down on the long goodbye’s, although it is hard for us parents who want to “help” their kids.  But, I did it, and I gave each of them a hug, and away they went.  Luckily, the school is situated so that the big glass front of the building allowed me to see down the entire hallway to the other end of the school, so I was able to be a fly on the wall, as they say.  They held hands until they reached the 2nd grade classroom, at which time “M” let go and went to class.  My baby girl just stood there, in the middle of the hallway, and looked around, obviously not knowing where to go.  Mommy gear started to kick in, and I was just about ready to intervene, but just then she decided to walk into M’s 2nd grade class, where she remained for several minutes.  Finally, they both emerged, and, holding hands, they walked to the kindergarten classroom (as the 2nd grade teacher watched).  Then, M returned to her class.  It was just so cute, and as hard as it was to watch and not be there to help, I think it was one of those moments that she needed to grow up and realize she can do it without her mom.  Although, maybe, just maybe, it was one of those moments that *I* needed to realize that she is growing up and can get by without mom.  Yes, my baby girl is growing up whether I like it or not.  {sniff sniff}