Back to school . . already

Thursday, the girls returned to school, looking and acting way more grown-up than I would like.

This is the first year where I haven't pulled their clothes out for them and helped them get ready. Other than about 2 minutes helping Emma with her hair, I did nothing. You're probably thinking 'That's great!' and half of me is too, but the other half misses my 'babies' and wants them to need me.

I still think of them as 'little kids' in so many ways though, even Anna, who is by far, one of the 'bigger' kids of the elementary school. For instance, I kept waiting to have to fill out a form at orientation for her transportation schedule. Every year, we have to fill out a bus or carpool form to make sure they get to where they need to be. I asked the teacher and another parent about this and they pretty much said 'They're old enough to know where to go at this age. We don't need the form anymore'. It took me by surprise for a minute but then I realized that they were right, and that I had to let go of the mentality that Anna is a 'little girl'. It makes me want to cry to write that but hey, I have to face the fact. She did great her first 2 days; she's usually my worrier that has more separation anxiety. So far, she's been fine and I hope it keeps up.

Here's to a great 5th and 3rd grade year!