Kindergarten

My dearest Abigail,

You had a hard time falling asleep last night because you were so excited about today, and you couldn't stop smiling all morning long as you prepared for this first exciting day. It warms my heart beyond measure to see you this excited, and I appreciated your attitude, as today would have been so much harder on your poor mama if you were apprehensive about starting school. Emma gave you a hug before we left, and you affectionately said "Goodbye, my Rosebud", which is Emma's "doggy" name in one of your many pretend games the two of you have played for the past couple of years. She has been asking me all morning when she is going to get have an "eat-over" with you at school, as I have promised that we would eat lunch with you someday soon. There are a few days in your life that are clearly etched into our memories. I remember your birth like it was yesterday...the room, the smells, holding you for the very first time and staring deeply into your eyes. I remember sitting in the living room floor as you took your first steps back and forth between your father and myself. When you first told me you loved me, unprompted, we were sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast and I felt my heart swell larger than I thought it could. I remember every aspect of you coming to the hospital to meet your new baby sister...and later your baby brother. The look on your face as you looked down at the little being that would be such an integral part of your world and our family is something that I hope to never forget...it was the look of pure love.
One more memory that will be etched in my mind is that one of your first day of kindergarten. I felt your tight grip in my hand as we walked down the hall to your classroom. Each time I would have to pull my hand away and do something, you would instantly grab it again as soon as it hit my side. You put your lunchbox in the holder, your backpack in your cubby, and sat in the floor with a book while waiting for the rest of the class to get there. A couple of pictures and a quick kiss later, I walked out of the room with a little bit of my heart left behind.
I am excited about what this year holds for you. And I really can't wait until you get home and tell me all about your day. And even though you looked so big and grown up all of a sudden as your entered the doors of your elementary school, you will always forever be my baby girl. I love you, my darling Abby.

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