Lailah's first day of Kindergarten!

Today was Lailah's first day of Kindergarten! She was so excited! I woke her up this morning, we had some cereal together, got ready, and off we went! When her teacher came out she hugged me, kissed me, told me she loved me, and then got in line! Then right before going in she turned around, gave me that big bright smile of hers and waved excitedly at me! That's exactly when I teared up and it hit me that she wasn't going to my moms, or with a family member, my dad, or her other grandparents! My little girl was starting school! I smiled back and waved enthusiastically, partially wishing my little girl was a baby still in my arms again where I could protect her and keep her safe all the time. <3
At 2pm I stood at the door waiting for her. :) When her teacher released her she ran up to me as I scooped her up in a big bear hug! Her face was lit up as she told me she missed me and then started telling me all about her day at school ! She explained about the green light, red light system they use for bad behavior and if they get on red they don't get to go out for recess.  She was telling me about recess and about how her teacher told the girls in the class they can't wear dresses or skirts (which I will be asking about). She was so proud of herself that she stayed there all day without me, "all on her own"! :D I told her she did excellent and she was such a big big girl!
Later on I laid down to take a nap, after many more hugs and her telling me how much she missed me <3 (I'm going to miss this when she's older!), and she started watching Netflix but I guess she decided to nap too. My phone started ringing so I reached to silent it and in Lailah's sleep she said, "And then we get to stop working, right?!" LOL. I'm guessing school did take a lot more out of her than she let on! But I'm glad she's still seemingly excited and happy about going. :)

1st day of Kindergarten ! Mrs. Jarrett's class! <3

Asking her about her day :)

Dear Lailah,

I am so proud of you! You have grown up to be such an amazing little girl and I feel so blessed to call you my own. I have no idea how I got so lucky for your little soul to find me in this great big universe. Raising you for the past 5 years and growing you within my tummy has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Becoming your mother has changed me in ways that I didn't even know were possible. You created a better, stronger, more understanding, compassionate, and loving person out of me! All of that - just by being you. Everyday I talk with you, hang out with you, and laugh with you - I also learn from you. I know, I know ! I'm the mommy, I'm supposed to teach you! And I do. :) To the very best of my ability! But you also teach me and I love learning from you. You are the most loving and compassionate soul I have ever met. Within only 5 short years you have grown into such a grown up little human that displays great understanding of others and kindness to all. You are the love of my life. Watching you grow up makes me extremely proud and happy inside but it also makes me a little sad, don't worry! Not a bad sad. A mommy type good sad. :) My baby girl isn't a baby anymore and that is no small feat! She has grown up and she will continue growing up. And I am secretly dreading the day you gain your wings and you take flight from home on me! <3 I love you Lailah and I will be here every day that I possibly can be for you. Keep learning and growing, keep being the kindest soul I know, keep being exactly who you are and who you want to be. I have faith in you, always.

Love, Mommy. <3