Her backpacks already packed. She's ready.

Brynlee and I playing hand clapping games one afternoon.

On Saturday Brynlee and I went to the neighboring town and finished her back to school shopping.  Just the two of us.  A girl’s day, we called it.  We had so much fun!  So much so that I’ve decided to make it a back to school tradition.  A mom and me shopping trip to pick out the new school wardrobe and school supplies.  Someday Jace and I too will venture on a back to school shopping spree - a day with just me and him.  But for now it’s us girls.  Brynlee + Mom.

She picked out mainly dresses and skirts.  It didn’t surprise me in the least, since nine days out of ten that is what she wears.  Occasionally I can talk her into a pair of shorts or some Levis, but her first choice is always something out of the dress portion of her closet.  It’s been that way since she was able to voice a clothing wearing opinion.  We bought plenty of leggings to make her dresses cold weather appropriate and I even talked her into a sweater or two although she didn't really want to buy such warm clothes because it was so hot outside.

On Thursday Brynlee will start an entirely new chapter in her little life.  She’s counting days and can barely wait for the last link to be removed from her countdown chain.  I’m hoping {and praying} that her excitement remains and her nerves/timidness don’t get the best of her at the last minute.

That’s sort of what happened at her Kindergarten screening.  She was so excited to see her new school, to meet the teachers, to show them how well she knew her numbers and her ABC’s.  But, the unfamiliar is always overwhelming for her.  And when it was finally her turn she grabbed on to my arm, hid her face and begged me to take her home.  Jace was the brave superhero that she needed.  He held her hand, rubbed her back, and told her not to be sad.  He insisted on staying in the classroom right next to Brynlee while she did her screening and the teacher was so kind and allowed him to do so.  A minute or two later Brynlee forgot she was even nervous and her excitement resurfaced.

My mom asked me the other day if I was excited to see her go to Kindergarten or if I was going to be one of those moms that cry.  How do you answer that question?  I mean, I am so excited for her to start Kindergarten.  I’m not excited to “see her go” because I’m selfish and I want her here with me, always.  But I’m so excited for her to start this new chapter.  To learn, to socialize, to experience school.  To grow in ways that wouldn’t be possible if Spencer and I were always right by her side.  So I guess, yes.  I’m excited.  And ready or not, it’s time.

So here’s to the first day of school.  Here’s to Kindergarten.  Here’s to letting go, if only a little, and to embracing growing up.  Here’s to changes.  And to early morning alarm clocks.  Here’s to PTA meetings, class room volunteering and making cupcakes for holiday parties.  Here’s to homework and backpacks and lunch money.  But most of all, here’s to making it through the first day of kindergarten without being one of those moms that cry.  Fingers crossed.