the end of the begining

Today was Abby's last day of pre-preschool. The end of the beginning of her school career. Next year she moves from the two day class to the three day class where the intense kindergarten prep begins.

Since she is my big girl, I often lose sight of the fact that Abby is still growing and changing. With babies the changes are dramatic and the milestones are big. The changes in Abby over the last nine months have not been as specific or easy to record in a baby book, but looking back I can see how much she has grown.

Here is three year old Abby on her first day of school. I remember how anxious we both were. How we fought over this outfit. How that fight involved yelling and tears. How she enjoyed her first day, only to scream "Don't leave me, Mommy" and hold on to me for dear life on the second day. I remember how I left the school only to call from my cell phone in the car. How I was nervous the entire time she was gone.




Here is four year old Abby receiving her certificate on celebration day. We also fought over this outfit, but as you can see by the striped dress, plaid headband and polka dot flip flops, I have loosened up quite a bit. This Abby runs out of school with a huge smile and non stop chatter about all the fun she has had. This Abby is comfortable and confident with her friends. This Abby is sad that she will not get to see her teachers for the whole summer.

Looking back, we have both come a long way this year.

I am very proud of my big girl.