Where did our little baby go? As I look through the rear-view mirror at this beautiful little girl filled to the brim with excitement and wonder about starting school, I can’t help but tear a little at how fast these three years have gone. She is so bright and kind, full of hope and questions. Where has the time gone?
After Bailey was born, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work from home so I could stay home with her. We’ve had so many adventures and I have learned so much from her . She’s my mini-me, my pint-sized partner in crime. Until Sienna was born, we hadn’t spent the night away from her. Our work load has doubled, both in and outside of the home and often times we feel we’re burning the candle at both ends, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I never dreamed that I would have been the type of Mom to want to stay home with the kids, but each day with them is a blessing. People keep telling me that I will love having Bailey in school, but as the day creeps closer I can’t help but feel sad and feel as thought I miss her already. It’s only three hours, four days a week, they say. You need a break, they say. But dropping my heart off at school everyday will still be hard, even when I know how beneficial it will be for her.
When we applied for enrollment at the beginning of the year, it felt as though we had all the time in the world. Weeks passed, our application was accepted and it was official – Bailey was going to be starting preschool as a peer model in our local school district. We were so excited! Bailey told everyone she met that she was going to school and each morning asked if it was time to go. I reminded her over and over that it was coming soon, but it still seemed so far away. Until today.
Today was Sneak a Peek night at her school and we got to meet her teacher and get to know the classroom and staff. Bailey picked out one of her favorite dresses, we styled her hair a bit and got to show off to Gigi and Pop Pop who came over to watch little sis. As she slipped on her backpack and stood at the door, my heart caught a bit as I realized that my little baby was not a baby anymore. She looked like such a little girl. Not a baby, not a toddler – a little girl ready to take on the world.
She obliged us with a few photos before we left and she practically skipped out the door. We talked about her teacher and how it is her first year too. I was a little worried that she would be shy when we got there so we tried to calm any nerves on the ride over. Little did I know she would lead us in without a fear in the world as her Dad and I looked as though we were the ones that needed calming.
Bailey greeted everyone and as we walked into her classroom, I knew she was in her element. She flitted back and forth talking to everyone and looking at all the cool toys and art supplies. She hugged her teacher, played with just about every toy she could find and helped put everything back in its place. We stayed the entire time, not wanting to leave and had to take a pic with our teacher after giving her another big hug.
Pride and sadness continue to wage a battle in my heart, knowing that Monday she will be off on her biggest adventure yet. I will keep a smile on my face, wishing her well each day and relish all the one-on-one time I gain with Sienna. But I will silently be counting down the minutes until I get to pick my little girl up from school and hear all about the adventures of her day. We are so proud of you Miss Bailey and know that you will be in great hands!
