letting go

First off, I can't believe it's been a week since I've blogged! I guess that's life these days!

It's September and that means one thing - school is back in session! Being a teacher before I stayed home with my kids, I know exactly what this time of year is all about. I usually only miss teaching for a few days once school starts and there is excitement in the air, but then I get over it pretty quickly when all of the planning, grading, managing, and paperwork nightmares come back to haunt me.

Over the past few weeks I've been reading a lot about moms sending their little ones off to school...and of course with that are adorable pictures of their little ones all dressed up in their "first day" outfit...some even with coordinating ribbons in the hair and shoes that match perfectly with the outfit. The stories that really touch me are the moms who are sending their little kiddos off to preschool or Kindergarten for the first time. This makes me excited to send Mikayla off to preschool...almost like I wish it was happening this year. Not because I want to get her out of the house, but because I can't wait to go school supply shopping with her, plan a backpack date, pick out a "first day" outfit and all the other fun things that go along with the first days of school. I know that time will go by fast and before I know it, this experience will come soon enough...probably too quickly! I know it will be exciting and emotional all at the same time. It almost makes me teary-eyed just thinking about it. But, in all honesty, I don't want that time to come too soon because I know that these moments I have with my kids being the age they are (so innocent and pure) will not be like this for long and I know I will wish for these days back when they are older. So, for now, I will share in the excitement and the joy of all the mommies and daddies who get to experience the "back to school feeling" this year, but I will hold tight to my babies for a couple more years and look forward to what is to come in the future without wishing the present away.

We did, however, make a big step towards letting "Miss Independent" be a little more independent. Mikayla started Advanced Parent/Tot swim lessons...without me in the water!! Boy was I a ball of nerves as I sat on the sidelines (as close as I could get mind you) and watched my baby do her own thing in the water. I have been so used to being in the water with her for the last 2 years that it was freaking me out a little that she was all on her own (well, not ALL on her own, but you get the idea). Mikayla did wonderfully and listened quite well to the teacher's instructions. I have to admit I kept flinching every time she would lean into the water or turn around on the steps. Seriously, get a grip, Mommy. She's in a pool full of swim instructors...not to mention I'm only feet away and not afraid to jump in fully clothed. I think she'll do great and will learn a lot this fall. She's definitely getting to the age where she is able to attain information given to her. I'm sure we'll have some great conversations on the way home from swim lessons.

I was able to capture some pictures of our little fish as I anxiously waited by the edge of the pool.

Blowing bubbles...she loves her goggles!!

OK, seriously, how cute is she? WAY over there...