dear lilly

here we go again.

backpack is full, lunch is packed, uniforms are laid out.

you are sound asleep and here i lie, wide awake thinking about how it could be possible that in a few short hours i'll be kissing you goodbye and watching you walk into kindergarten for the very first time.

such a big day.

for you and for me.

i have such a mix of emotions about tomorrow.

i am so very excited for you. watching your sweet little face light up this morning while we walked around your classroom almost brought me to tears right then and there. seeing your name on your desk and in your cubby made you stand a little taller today. you are definitely a little nervous but i could see the excitement in your eyes as you told your dad all about it tonight.

my anxiety has been building in the last few weeks leading up to tomorrow. you are my shy little tiger and i worry about you.

i worry that you'll be scared waking away from me and into that big school. i worry that you'll be too nervous to speak up in class. i worry that you will try to compare your kindergarten experience with your sisters and get frustrated if it doesn't add up exactly the same. i am your mom...i worry. it's part of the job.

however, the other part is knowing you better than anyone else.

i know just how very brave you are. i know you will be a little ball of nerves in the morning but once you get through those doors you will rock this whole school thing!

i know it might take a week or two for you to feel totally comfortable speaking up in class. that's ok. i also know that once you do you will find your groove and i have no doubt the teachers will give me a glowing report.

i know you will beam with pride the first time you go over your numbers and letters or work on math or write in your journal because you will realize you know all this! you have learned so much just listening and watching your big sister this past year that you are already ahead of the curve. i can't wait to watch you excel in that department.

i know tomorrow may bring a few tears...from both of us...but my heart swells knowing that you are ready.

i want you to know just how very proud your dad and i are of you, lilly. you are so very special to us and we couldn't be more excited for you to start this new adventure.

have a wonderful first day of kindergarten tomorrow.

we love you tiger lil