Kindergarten...already??

I have been strong so far but I am starting to freak out a bit. I am suddenly realizing that i have reached the end of an era and am quickly entering a new one. Gone are the days of me being home with Izzy two days a week, and gone are the days where when I am not with her she is either with family or a trusted sitter. Gone are the days of ultimate flexibility in her care, i am so fortunate to date that Nana and Grandma are always available when i need them...soon coming izzy will be in school everyday and they will not be needed.

The new era will include homework, bus schedules and after school activities to fill up my calendar. I am super excited for her but I am sad at the same time. She is my one and only, there will be no more little babies at home. There were parts of the last 5.5 years that have gone by so slow but mostly i cannot believe i have arrived at kindergarten. She starts tuesday...and will go everday full days. I know in my heart she is ready and she will do great. I know in my heart that I am ready to take on additional challenges at work and put in more hours...but there is still part of me that is sad.  For the next 13 years we will follow a school schedule and routine for most of the year. She will spend more time with non family members than with family members....

We have everything just about ready for next week. Clothes shopping is done, school supply shopping is done, hair cut appointment scheduled for Thursday. We need to take and print a new picture of her, our family and our cat for her to bring into school the first week.  We have a meet and greet ice cream social with her teacher at school tomorrow afternoon. And we have one last weekend before the craziness starts. She is nervous but i think starting to get excited even though i know she is nervous. I am excited about the teacher she has, it will be her 22nd year teaching kindergarten so she is clearly a seasoned pro. I have heard from other parents that have had her that she is fabulous so that makes me feel better. The class size is going to be a huge adjustment for her though, last year she had 11 kids in her preschool with two teachers, this year she could have 1 teacher for up to 26 students.  I know the days will be long but after sending her to camp for some full day 3 days week this summer I am feeling better about her ability to handle them although i am sure she will be cranky at first.

I am so proud of the girl she is becoming, she is smart, funny, beautiful and happy. I can't even begin to imagine how much she will mature this year.  I love her so much and as i type this my eyes are welling up. Proud mommy. The end of an era has occured and we are entering the new one like it or not...