School days, school days.

Today was Tia's first day of preschool! She woke up this morning, came out of her room and announced loudly "OK Mom, I'm ready for school!". She all of a sudden seemed so grown up to me. The morning went smoothly. She had her breakfast and got dressed without incident. D.R. went into work later than normal so he could be here to see her get ready and keep me focused and calm. He knows what a big baby I am when it comes to our kids!

We took lots of pictures for the big day.

Tia wasn't thrilled with her school bag because it is so large. I explained to her that it was provided by the school, and it wasn't my idea. She finally agreed to carry it.

This was the last picture I could take and then the parents had to leave.

The biggest surprise of the day was that I didn't cry! I almost did, but turned and left, and was able to hold it together. Gia however wasn't so strong. She cried all the way to the car because she thought we forgot her sister. She's never done anything without her, so this is quite a change.
Because it was the first day, the kids only stayed for an hour and a half. They normally go from 9-11:30. At pick-up, parents pull in the loop in front of the building and the teachers walk the kids to the car door. It's a great system. Even though I left the house way earlier than I needed to, I was the last in line! I was so anxious to see how she did. When it was finally our turn, all I could see was her HUGE smile. She was so happy and proud. I almost cried again. The teachers all said she did great and Tia said she had a lot of fun.
I still can't believe my little girl is already a preschooler!