and so it begins…

(*This post was actually written on Monday, but the week has been so incredibly busy I am just getting around to posting it today*)

Last night, we packed her lunch, her snack, laid out her clothes and headed to bed early in anticipation of  Olivia’s big day. I set the table last night and set out everything I would need to make the pancakes when I got up. I tried to be as quiet as possible, however, I don’t think I could have been any louder if I tried. When I came downstairs, Fergus was super excited to see me, he had fallen asleep downstairs and slept there all night. He shook his ears and his collar and that alone could have woken the entire neighborhood. Then I went into the kitchen and dropped the cat food container on the floor and it went everywhere… Needless to say, not long after ,I heard two little feet running down the hall upstairs and then down the back stairs into the kitchen. Olivia appeared, fully dressed and ready for school at 6:10am. I had not planned on waking her until 6:30 but she was too excited to wait.

New dress, new shoes, new backpack and new lunch bag. New outlook on life…

She was so excited for the bus to arrive, she could barely contain her excitement. Poor Lauren’s heart was breaking at the thought of her sister leaving her behind.

Sisters and best friends. They have the most precious relationship.

      Is the bus here yet?

Hugs from Daddy.

Hugs from Mommy. I tried to hold myself together until she was safely on the bus and around the corner, I didn’t want to cry in front of her.

Here it comes. The bus and the enormous lump in my throat. Barely holding it together at this point…

Gulp. There she goes! Up the stairs, onto the bus and into the next chapter of her life.

Here is where it got really hard. Do you see that look? “Mommy?!” She wasn’t so sure this was such a good idea.

Checking it out…

 

She is blessed with the most precious bus driver… we are so thankful for her.

Here comes the big grin…

 

“It’s okay, Mommy, I’m going to be just fine!”

and just like that, the doors closed and she was gone…

Both Lauren and I burst into tears. I managed to hold it in until she was out of sight. It was a very weird feeling… so proud of her, excited for her, sad for me and Lauren,  scared, lonely and heartbroken. It’s hard watching someone else drive off with your baby who you’ve had for what has seemed like and eternity. It’s hard knowing she is growing up. One more step out the door, into the next chapter of her childhood.

I won’t lie, it seemed like the longest day ever. I kept glancing at the clock, waiting for the time when I could dash outside and meet her at the bus stop to give her the longest hug ever.

I couldn’t wait to hear all about her big day. She loved every minute of it. Even though she was completely exhausted this week adjusting to her new routine, she has fully embraced Kindergarten with loving arms.

Livie-loo, we are so incredibly proud of you!