Bittersweet

Today is bittersweet. Avery had her first day of school. She's been gone all of 26 minutes and Reese and I are moping around like we lost our best friends. Well, we kind of did. Reese's playmate is gone until 2:00 today and since Avery is the only other person besides me in this house who can carry on a conversation, I'm going to feel lonely without her, even if her questions do drive me crazy sometimes.

Avery did well this morning. Better than that...she did great. She got up, ate her breakfast, and got dressed when I told her to. She did try to wear her Spiderman pajamas instead of the outfit we agreed upon last night, but she changed willingly when I reminded her that we were going to wear girl clothes to school. We compromised a little bit. She is wearing boxers under her dress and she has a Spiderman lunch box and backpack.
I also got to do something I've been dying to do as long as I can remember. I packed a lunch, complete with fish-shaped sandwich, Snack Pack, and "Mommy love note" on a napkin. It's really a bright day for all of us. And as much as it breaks my heart that she's growing up so fast, I am proud of my little girl. She went into her classroom, sat down in her seat and waited patiently for her teacher to tell her what was coming next. She was calm and strong as Reese wailed and I fussed over her, kissing her repeatedly and telling her we would be back in a few hours. Other kids grabbed at their mom's legs and begged to go home. But not my Doodlebug. She stayed firm, eager to finally experience "big kid school." She is an amazing kid.
I can't believe how much I already miss her. Judging by the way Reese is moping around the house with her fingers in her mouth, I think she misses her too.