And I was this close to buying her a Lisa Frank trapper keeper

I love this girl.

I.

love.

her.

Being at home with her has created this beautiful little friendship between the two of us that is unique to just us. It seems like she's grown up so much recently. Last week was her first day of 3 year-old preschool. Melt. my. heart.

I didn't sleep a wink the night before her first day. I was nervous, excited, anxious, sad, and happy all at the same time. Wait. That's pretty much me on a normal day. But the feelings were amplified on this particular night.

I had envisioned myself having all her stuff laid out the night before, ready to go. Envisioned is the key word. Did that happen? Nahhh. You know better. But I did get up super early to make sure the morning went smoothly. As I packed her little lunch, I remembered how my mom used to always write little notes on my napkins, so I busted out the sharpies and went to town on that unfortunate paper towel. By the time I finished, I had that whole thing covered. I think I got a little carried away. A little? There wasn't a free space left. Needless to say, she's three. She can't read yet. But by george she had a note and a cute little drawing to wipe her mouth on! I was a smidgen nervous and that poor paper towel got the brunt of it.

However, this morning her paper towel from last week got recycled. As I opened her lunch bag still laying on the counter from last week, yes, last week, (I knew there wasn't any food left in it to spoil because I've been eating her leftovers on the rides home) I threw out the old ziplocks and noticed that her paper towel hadn't been touched, much less even unfolded. So..... that thing got put right back into her lunch for today. Besides, the rainbow on it was good enough for two uses I'd say.

Although Kate's never been one to cling to me or be inhibited in social situations, I wasn't sure how she would respond to being left at her new school. Well, I should have known she would be just fine. As I got ready to leave her, she just gave me a big hug and a high five and turned to continue her drawing. I had a proud-mommy moment.

And on the drive home I had a sad-mommy moment. Did I turn into a wet mess? You betcha. Poor Hamp probably thought I was nuts, askin' him to promise to stay little for me.

Kate didn't cry.

I did.

Go figure.

Her teacher, Mrs. Marsha

When I picked her up, she said, " I did good, Mama! Can I go back tomorrow?"

On Day 2, Daddy went with us.

So what this all boils down to is that my sweet little girl is growing up. Inevitable, right? Yes. But it doesn't make it any easier. Maybe I'll see if she wants to start taking her paci again. Do you think I could still squeeze her into a bassinet?

I'm so proud of the little girl she's becoming. She makes me laugh like no one else can. And at times, makes me wanna hide, like no one else can. But I LOVE being her mommy.