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.