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8.23.2011

Almost here

One step closer.

looking so much older than 5 
 Tonight we took our big girl to meet the kindergarten teachers.

fitting that she chose this dress as it was a hand-me-down from a cousin.   

I had hoped that it would relieve my impending dread of next Monday (her staggered entry day).

cousin Abby wore it on her first day of kindergarten. 
For me it didn't.  Not one bit.

Her on the other hand?  This was her face after we got home and I asked her what she thought of going to kindergarten next week.

and don't ask me why i can remember about the dress yet still have a problem remembering my new phone number ~ i have no answer

Maybe some of her excitement has to do with the fact that she's making this adventure with "China sister" Lottie by her side.

taken aug 26, 2007.  who knew then that these two would live in the same neighborhood and begin school together four years later?  i'm glad she'll be with someone that she "goes way back" with!
 And maybe some of it is because she's really ready.

I don't know.

What I do know is that I'm gonna miss having her home with me (and I know her siblings are gonna miss her too!) all day, every day.  And that another part of my hesitation is that I realize that not just this summer but the last four years passed at warp speed.

four years ago today. 
 And then there is realizing that this is the beginning of letting go...

14 comments:

Our Journey said...

ok -- you've made me cry... AGAIN! I'll be thinking of you next Monday. It was WAY WAY harder for me than Anne Marie... she LOVES it and can't stop talking about it when she gets home. But I think you're right, it's the acknowledgment of the beginning of letting go!! :(

Laurie said...

Oh my, she does look ready!! I remember all those feelings... a year ago today! We're headed to 1st grade this morning, and all I can tell you is that it DOES get easier. Thank goodness for THAT! :)

Anonymous said...

Let go? Never! :) Hard to believe as you send yours to kindergarden, I'm sending mine to high school. Time flies, but each stage is great! And you are the momma.....you never have to let go! And I would say she is for sure ready. She (and you) will be fine. It will just take some getting used to.

Beth :)

Grandma Shultz said...

Sweetheart, you started "weaning" or letting go from the beginning.
That is what my Mother always told me...That is how you raise your children; helping them learn to be independent and confident. When you stopped giving her the bottle, when she slept in her own room, when she moved out of the crib, when she went into Sunday School by herself, etc, etc, etc. You and Ian are great parents; that is why she is secure enough to be exited about going to school.

prechrswife said...

Okay, I hadn't cried yet, even though it is MJ's stagger start day today. I'm trying not to think about it. We will survive our babies going to full day school (or so I keep telling myself). What's really bad is that I've been a teacher...it is just so different to be on the parent end of things...

Rachelle said...

Crying..

Tricia said...

I can't believe it--when I saw that picture, I thought, that dress looks like the dress Abby wore on her first day of kindergarten. And I think Kylie is a lot taller than Abby was at that age.

Kathy said...

Letting go is so hard - but so good and necessary for the child. Kylie is happy about starting Kindergarten because you and Ian have been such good, strong parents for her.

Nancy said...

Your mom is so sweet! I love her comment. I can't believe she's almost off to school. It's been such a privlege to watch her (and C, D & D) grow up on your blog. I know my kids will be in school before I know it and it already makes me tear up! Praying for you, my friend. I'm excited for Kylie's new adventure!

Heather said...

You are going to be okay, mom! Tough transition especially with the oldest going. I know your excited for her, but I feel your pain too! I was in Kazakhstan when Ally started her first day of kindergarten. Oh how I cried!!!

Traci said...

Yeah... i was doing well until... snuggling with Maylin in bed tonight I said "You are going to Kindergarten tomorrow!" Her eyes welled up as she said, "I want you go wif me." UGH!!! Stab me in the heart. I am crying now!

Glenda said...

Awww, you made me cry! I loved seeing baby Kylie. I'll be here with a shoulder to cry on if you need it! Letting go is no fun, believe me.

Our Journey to China said...

Oh, Kristi, the years do pass so very quickly. I know it is bittersweet. We will be praying for a peaceful and wonderful day next Monday for everyone. :0)LOVE this sweet girl! E says, "KY!"

TanyaLea said...

They grow up TOO fast! **sigh**

...and next time you do a post like this, you better put a big ol' bright red, highlighted, bolded, big fonted "KLEENEX warning" in front of it!! ...good thing it's the end of the day and the make-up needs to come off anyway! ;)