This week my daughter started attending her Preschool, fifteen hours a week. Doesn’t sound like much but I really felt every single one of those hours.
She attends two and a half days a week now. I braid her hair. Make sure that her polo shirt is the last thing she puts on; in an effort to avoid food, drink and tooth paste spills. Pack nappies, change of clothes and a drink bottle. Label each and every scrap of clothing. I think we’re ready…
I love walking her to school. Helping her find her name badge, hang up her coat, put her book bag in the correct box, put her drink bottle in the right location, select the right meal option for lunch and sign her in.
Leaving has been tough this week, for both of us. She wants me to stay and play. I know that I need to leave her. Tears are inevitable, from her and from me. Despite the tentative start, she loves school and has a great time.
Day two. My daughter and her little friend hugged each other on arrival and were showing each other their new braids and uniforms. My heart melted. They were holding hands and helping each other settle in. I’m so proud.
Back at home, the house is very quiet. I have a peaceful breakfast. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Put some washing on. I look at the clock…it’s 10am…now what? After having no time, I find myself having lots of time but no idea what to do with it.
I caught up on some admin tasks, went shopping, made a few calls and booked a few appointments. I missed my baby.
I picked her up Friday lunchtime. I arrived early. I watched her play with all her friends in the sandpit. She’s so beautiful. I am a very proud mummy.
She ran into my arms when the bell rang. We skipped home. Hand in hand we skipped. I didn’t care what people thought and I know she didn’t either. In that moment, no one else mattered but us.
Next September my precious girl will be at school 5 days a week. I will never have this time again so I am going to run, skip and sing. Side by side with my mini me. All the time I can. I will.
One day you will be too old to be walked to school.
Someday it won’t be considered cool to sing and dance with your mummy.
But today I am your world, as you are mine. Let’s sing, dance and skip all the way home. It’s September. It’s just the start…