First Day of School

Ryan took the day off work to participate in the excitement and drama that is the first day of school.  I had held onto summer as long as I could, not returning from the beach until just the night before.  But now it was time to cross another parenting bridge and send Tessa to school.  Pre-school is a fun time of crafting and coloring, reading and singing, learning and socializing.  For Tessa that is.  For me it is a time of letting go a little bit more than I am ready to just yet.  But ready or not, the big day was here so I plastered on my fake smile and off we went. 

Tessa is going to school at our church which is wonderful on so many levels.  First of all, we already know most of the faculty.  Secondly, Tessa is familiar with the building and the playground.  And most importantly, I know that she is in a loving Christian atmosphere.  So why am I having such trouble with this milestone?  Because it means my baby is growing up and I just feel like the time is flying!  Sigh.  I managed to hold it together and act excited as we walked into her classroom.  She posed by the door for a picture, so cute.  Then she raced in to play with the dollhouse.  Apparently I was the only one having major anxiety issues.  Her very sweet teacher calmly shooed me and Ryan out of the room and that was it.  Had I really just dropped off my child at SCHOOL?!  I broke down in the parking lot and boo-hooed on Ryan's shoulder, thoughtful guy had even come prepared with tissues.  He he knows me so well.          

Of course, Tessa had a wonderful first day and loved going to school.  I'm grateful that one of us is doing well with the transition.  So now my days revolve around carpool lines, homework, dance, gymnastics, big girl playdates (the kind where mom doesn't stay) and a novel new thing called alone time.  I will get used to this new routine, eventually.