Wave Hello, Say Goodbye...

The Minis on Sophie's Last Day of School

I have a feeling in my heart. It's good and bad - bitter and sweet. There's a clamp around it that tightens as I type - trying to hold back tears. My bigger mini graduated from nursery school today. I know, I know - it sounds like small potatoes but to her mama it feels like a very big deal. 

This little girl - who now dresses herself, makes eggo waffles in the morning on her own, and is begging to do a sleepover at a friend's house - once needed me so much more than she does now. My heart swells with pride as I see her tackling new tasks and bravely putting herself out there in this universe. Against my warning she climbed a tree last week, fell and scraped her back terribly, and then attempted to climb the same tree the next day. I am envious of her bravery. I am in love with her ever-evolving soul. But I am also so sad that she is growing up so quickly. 

I tease her regularly and tell her she once promised me she would never grow up. She giggles and says, "Mom, it's not my fault. It's my body that just grows on its own. I don't tell it to." Oh little body of Emma Read Pless - please do pause in this precious instant and allow me to really enjoy one last summer with this "four and three-quarters" year old girl. I just need a little more time. 

The Graduate and Her Very Proud Mother