Bitter Sweet...

Today Emily and I dropped Caroline off at her first day of camp/school. She will be there from 9-1 each day this week (if we make it to Friday!) I packed her new backpack, her lunchbox, laid out her clothes the night before, and llabeled all of her belongings. When Caroline woke up this morning and I told her about her "big day" she was very excited and asked questions all morning long. We only had about an hour to get fed, dressed, and out the door, so the morning progressed quickly. She decided immediately that I was to carry her backpack, and she would be in charge of her lunchbox. She loves that lunchbox! So we drove to the church, me dealing with odd mommy-ish feelings about leaving her, her growing up, etc. No tears though. We got there, waiting outside until they opened the doors at 9:00 and then went in to find her name tag. She was at the FRONT of the line bypassing all the other families that were there. We grabbed her name tag, found her room, and stopped outside for just a single moment of hesitation on her part (I think...). I told her I was excited about meeting her teachers, opened the door, and she followed me inside. She said hello to her teachers and they asked if she wanted to put her lunchbox up on the counter...her response..."No. I'm ready to eat right now." We all giggled and I explained she would eat later on in the day and she gave it up fairly easily. She then darted off to see what new fun toys were there for her to play with...not a kiss, not a hug, not a smile...just going full speed ahead at the task at hand. I knew she would love it. I knew she'd be in heaven. I met the teachers and was out the door in no time. I tried to look back to see if I could spot her- but she was inside some play gym and was hidden from sight. I'm glad she liked her room and think her teachers were sweet. I think it looked like they were set up to have about 10 kids in her room. It should be perfect. I can't wait to pick her up and hear all about it. As Emily and I drove away I picked up the phone to call my sweet friend to document our 1st morning and choked back a few tears...which she told me she cried for me...and was able to get home without any sadness. Emily wanted to nap, so she has been sleeping for about 1.5 hours now and I haven't known what to do with myself!! I cleaned up our room, straightened the rest of the house and then sat down to document this milestone moment. One I probably will never forget...yes, call me crazy. But I am whole-heartedly attached to my girls and each minute away from them makes me enjoy the new stage of life we are approaching...but makes me miss them like crazy. Probably always will...even when they are 30. :)
PS. I didn't go picture-taking-crazy this morning because no one else around was taking minute by minute documentation of their child at school. So I may snap a few more this afternoon...but didn't want to feel TO silly. :)