My Last Year Here

I can't believe this brilliant, hard-working, kind, sensitive, and handsome little boy of mine started first grade this year. He dove head-first into the increased workload (he'd rather clean his room than color, so he loves that first grade means working more and coloring less), embraced the added responsibility that came with his "sophomore" status, and emerges from the building every afternoon with a smile on his face and an update on who he sat by at lunch, the score of his recess basketball game with Ben, and exactly how many minutes he spent on the computer. He makes my heart swell with pride.

This little firecracker had trouble understanding what I meant when I told her that this was her last first day of preschool, but that didn't stop her from repeating the phrase throughout the day. I can hardly believe that this year is my last as a parent of "little ones"; when she starts kindergarten next year - a milestone she can't wait to reach - there'll be no more pretending that my children are babies. So no matter how difficult, I will slow down and savor as much of this year as possible. I will look on with joy - and hopefully find peace - as my sweet, spicy, smart, silly, creative, dramatic, and beautiful itty bitty grows and learns and leaves her mark on her corner of the world.

Here's to a wonderful 2013-2014 school year!