all growed up!

Life as I know it...

has changed.

My baby is not a baby anymore.  He trotted off to preschool this morning with a smile on his face and a kick in his step.  He could practically fit right into his backpack if he wanted to.  He insisted on holding it the whole time instead of wearing it.  He was proud.  So were his daddy and I.

When I handed him off to his teacher, he looked back and said "Mommy I ont you to come wif, though.".  My heart went pitter-patter but with a smile, I told him that he needed to go and play with his friends and I'd be back to get him in a short while.  He proceeded into the room with no tears.  I coulnd't believe it.  I was so proud!  Phew-we made it!  Today was only an hour long with parents meeting in a room down the hall.  Thursday will be the whole sha-bang.  2 1/2 hours!  We'll see if he still has his smile that day when I drop him off and leave him.  The ironic part might be the fact that I'll be the one with tears and not him.  I'll try my best to hold them back but I know that it will be a challenge. This whole getting older and going to school thing, I'm beginning to think, is harder on the parents than it is the kids.  I never thought I'd be uttering the words at bedtime "Now go to sleep, you have school in the morning.".  When did that happen!?!?  I am now the mommy to a preschooler and no longer the mommy of a newborn or infant.  I'm typing this and convincing myself at the same time.  Where has the time gone? 

I often ask Owen "Where has my baby gone?  What did you do with my baby boy?". 
He quickly responds with a grin from ear to ear, "Mommy, I right here but I growed up!".

My baby growed up.  He's here, but he growed up.  And that's just that.