It's the Night Before Kindergarten

We can hardly believe Kate starts kindergarten tomorrow (technically today.. it's after midnight and I am still up, even though I need to be awake in six short hours).  How fast these years have gone!   

We know she is so excited.  She is sleeping so soundly in her bed right now (probably because she got at up "school time" this morning... quite the shift from our lazy summer mornings).  And. I know she will wake up tomorrow ready to eat breakfast, get dressed, and head off to school.  Her being so excited makes it less sad for me.  But, still... she's my baby girl and I kinda can't believe I have to share her with school for the next thirteen years and then some. 

It's hard to not get all nostalgic and think about how much she has grown and changed in these five years. Part of me wishes she was still so little, but a huge part of me just loves where she is right now.  She is fun to be around, she is so eager to learn about everything, and I know we have so many exciting adventures ahead of us.

  

I get all worked up sometimes thinking about how much "more" I feel like I should be doing... "I should read more books, I should do more spectacular crafts, I should start more traditions, I should cook more with the kids, I should, I should, I should...."  It's easy as a mom to beat yourself up over things.  But, as I see Kate face kindergarten with such confidence, I realize that Mark and I are sending a pretty awesome little girl into the world.  She is brave, kind, responsible, independent, witty, so smart, a great big sister, sweet and sassy, and compassionate.  And she has a huge heart.  

I am sad that Kate won't be with us during the day, but I am genuinely SO excited to see her start this journey.  I can't wait to watch her soar this year and in the years to come.  I made her promise me tonight that she will always tell me all about her day.  I never want her to answer "fine" when I ask how her day was.  I never want to hear that she did "nothing" today.  I want to hear about all the projects, all the funny stories, the new things she is learning, the new friends she makes... I want to experience her excitement, always.  

Kate, we can't wait to hear all about your first day!!! You're going to rock kindergarten, girl!! 

Cake made by Gran