xo

Dear Laina,

I had some time to myself after Daddy got home from work, so I decided to search for a little something to give you tomorrow for your preschool “graduation.” As I was walking through the store, a feeling of complete peacefulness came over me as I thought about you and how you’ve grown in the past 5 and a half years. I think about the person you have already become, and I feel so proud. I remember taking you to your first day of school when you weren’t even 3 yet, and you just walked right into your brand new classroom without an ounce of hesitation. I also remember one of the first things you did when after you observed for a few minutes was walk over to a little girl who was crying, and you squatted down next to her and touched her back. Your teacher (Debbie) noticed that too, because she made sure to tell me about it when I came to pick you up.
It has been so fulfulling to watch you make your way through preschool these last three years. As a yellow duck, it was fun to watch you make friends with everyone in your class. You were very inclusive, and made sure that nobody was left out. You did have your favorite, though, and made your very first best friend (Annie.) As a green frog, I watched you become more attentive and more interested in learning. You were still a social butterfly, but also loved participating in any activity the teachers had planned. During your last year as a busy bee, it became so evident that you are just ready for kindergarten. You have loved everything about school. The teachers, the friendships, the independence, the freedom, the fun, the routine! You have had more play dates that I can count. Especially this year, it felt like I needed a social calendar to keep up with you! You made some really special friends this year, and you guys certainly played hard together! Elsa, Piper, Clare, Stella, and Ivey–they were your little crew this year.
These are some of the memories that I will keep with me: the way you gave hugs and kisses to me and your brothers every day at drop off; the endless hours of playtime in the garden after school was over; how you brought me flowers all the time but reminded me that you found them on the ground and didn’t pick them from the garden; how you always wanted to bring white cheddar popcorn, clementines, and cheese sticks for snack when we co-oped; the way you just went about your day with your friends and teachers when it was our turn to co-op–you liked having us there, but didn’t let it stop you from your little routine!; how all the kids at school called Elijah “Mimi” instead because they heard you saying it all the time!; your over the moon excitement level when you got to have play dates with your girls!
I’m so excited for you to start school because I really think you’ll continue to love it, but I’m also a little sad. You’ve been my sidekick for the past 5.5 years, and for 3 of those years it was just you and me! From the many hours at playgrounds, the Fairlington pool, playgroups, MOMS Club adventures to running errands, going to restaurants, or exploring a new park–you and I were side by side. I’ve loved every minute of it, and will honestly look back and be able to truly appreciate this time that we had together.
When I was browsing through the antique store, I spotted a sweet little tea cup and a nice collection of poems for you. You’ve always gotten a kick out of having tea on occasion, so I thought it would be nice for you and I to be able to have “tea time” to catch up as you get a little older and have a little less time at home. You like to call anything that just you and I do together “girls day.” So, I guess this will be part of our “girls day” tradition.

I love you, my sweet girl. Onward to kindergarten we go!

xo
Mommy