First day of school

Elliana, 3.5 years, 1st day of preschool

I knew this day was coming. Preschool. Three hours a day, two days a

week. An opportunity for Elliana to flourish with new opportunities,

new people and new experiences. It's a time when a mom should be

rejoicing, but I found myself full of anxiety and sadness. Never

before had my baby been away from me for so long at a time. We are

together all day, every day (a few dates with Hubby excluded) and the

idea of someone else influencing her for several hours at a time was

overwhelming to me.

Well, today was the day. Elliana awoke early in the morning, sometime

in the 5:00 hour, full of excitement and loudly pronouncing "My belly

tells me I am all done sleeping. It's time to get up." I suppose that

is a three year olds explanation of butterflies in her belly. :)

And so, I sucked it up. I held back the tears, put on my happy face

and celebrated the special day with my eldest daughter. And I am so

glad I did. For in her happiness, I gained happiness too. I know this

is a good opportunity for my precious little one and just the first of

many steps toward independence.

Happy First Day Elliana! I am so proud of you and the little girl you

have become!

Happy Little Girl giving Daddy a squeeze

Me and my baby!

Elliana and her best friend Jay eager to start school

When I picked her up from her classroom, I think she was excited :) 

Standing next to her Busy Bee