First Day of School

It's so hard to believe that my first sweet baby is 4 already and heading off to school.  She has been so very excited, especially the last few weeks while we've purchased school supplies, uniforms, and things to pack for her lunch.  With her being so excited, I've really been excited FOR her.  BUT, last night I watched her Daddy pick her up and hug her tight telling her how he couldn't believe his little girl was big enough to go to school, and I about lost it.  It really hit me that my baby wasn't a baby anymore!  To make matters worse, Makenzie is JUST like me. She's very independent, and she thinks she can do everything on her own.  When I asked her if she wanted me to walk her in on her first day she said, "Nah Mom, I'll be fine."  I just looked at her with a shocked expression on my face and simply said, "No, Mommy IS going to walk you in so that I make sure you know who your teacher is and get to right place."  She seemed to be ok with that.

So this morning after she was dressed and we'd taken a few pictures, I hugged her tight & cherished her last few minutes at home.  When we got to the school, I noticed how wide her eyes got, and I could tell she was a little nervous because I kept having to say, "Honey, get your backpack." She held my hand, and I walked her inside to meet her teacher.  She had the biggest grin on her face, but I noticed her little hands shaking as she laid her backpack down.  She was doing her very best to be brave, and she definitely wasn't letting me know she was nervous.  I gave her a hug and told her I would see her this afternoon then turned and walked out the door.  I never thought I would be emotional on this day, but it took all I had to keep from crying all the way back to my car.  I'm still emotional as I sit and type this, thinking that she's at school and not home with me where she's supposed to be.  I have to fight the desire to pick up the phone and call the school to make sure she's ok-even though I'm sure she's having a great time!  I find myself watching the clock, counting down the hours until I can go get her.  I can't wait to hear all about her day and the new things she got to experience!  Please pray for this Moma though!  I'm having a much harder time letting my baby go than I thought I would!