My Baby is All Grown Up (and saving China!)

Kate started Kindergarten today. Yes, I am the mother of a kindergartener. I am that old. When did she grow up? I could swear it was just yesterday she looked like this:

I feel like Mushu at the end of Mulan. When he says, "My baby is all grown up and saving China!" But really, where did the time go? Kate was so excited to start school. She couldn't wait. She had her First-Day-of-School outfit picked out weeks in advance. We went shopping and picked out her binder and pencil box. She got to meet her teacher at an open house almost 2 weeks ago. She was super excited that she shares 2 names with her teacher. Not only is her teacher's name Mrs. SMITH, but they have the same middle name as well. Kate couldn't have been more excited. She was ready.

Then, Rob took her shopping earlier this week to pick out her backpack. She was so excited to come home and show me. She was so proud of herself. She was so ready.

We got ready. She told me how she wanted her hair.

She put on her backpack. She was ready.

We took a few pictures at home, and then a few more in front of the school.

And another just outside her classroom. She was so ready.

She went in and hung her backpack on her hook.

She found her seat, saw a few friends, and sat down.

Then she got back up, gave me a hug, and told me she'd miss me.

She was ready.
She started working with the wooden counting blocks.

That was my cue to leave.

She was ready.

I know she will do so well, and she will make new friends. She'll learn so much.

I'm just not sure I'm ready to let her go.

A Letter to My Kate

In my hopes of getting caught up on scrapbooks for the girls, I've decided to start making books (on blurb) for each year of their life. It just so happens, that I've started Kate's first book just as she is starting kindergarten. For the book, I wrote her a letter with some advice from me. It may be a few years, okay a few decades, down the road before she appreciates this advice, but hopefully some day she will appreciate it.

Kate,

My goal is for you to have a book of each year of your life. By doing this, I hope for two things. One, that you will know where you come from, and two, that you will know just how much you are loved.

I remember the day you were born. You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I was so happy, and yet at the same time, I was scared. Here was a precious baby our Heavenly Father had entrusted to my care. You depended on me to take care of you and to keep you safe. That was pretty easy for the first little while, but then you started growing, and you began to explore the world on your own. I was no longer "in charge" of all you were exposed to. Have I taught you well enough that when the world knocks you down you will be strong enough to stand on your own? These are the things I worry about each and every day.

So, here is my advice to you.

If you make mistakes, and you will, don't be afraid to admit them. Just make sure you learn something from them. Be kind. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Hold the door open for someone following you. Always say please and thank you. Don't be afraid to stand up for something you know is right. Remember who you are. You are a daughter of God. Laugh often. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Don't let anyone break your heart twice. Be determined. Read a lot. Send thank you notes. Always stand up for yourself. People can only treat you badly if you let them. Don't gossip. If you won't say it to their face, don't say it behind their back. Find somrthing you love and do it well. Don't be afraid to be smart. Listen to your parents and your grandparents, they love you more than you'll ever know. Smile. Don't give up. Stand up for what you believe in. Pray. It works. Be polite. Take care of your friends. Be a shoulder to cry on and provide a listening ear. Don't be judgemental. Looks can be deceiving. Be yourself. Some people may not like you, but it's okay. They won't know what they're missing out on. Appologize if you hurt someone's feelings. Listen to your heart. There is nothing you cannot change or correct if you have the will to fight for what you want. Your future is defined by your choices, not by the chances, you take in life. And most importantly, never settle for less than what you know you are worth.

All my love,
Mom