How did that happen? I cannot even tell you how bittersweet this day is for me. I have been in denial about it, actually.
I have mentioned before that Riley has a few physical developmental delays. She had low muscle tone which is monitored once a month. She is almost at normal for this now. She is still not jumping on her own. As wild as she is, Riley would probably jump off the house if she could, so I'm not worrying too much about this delay. She does, however, have a pretty severe speech delay. She talks NONSTOP. In full thirty word sentences. You just can't understand her. Unless, of course, you speak Riley.
The child is definitely NOT delayed in intelligence. In fact, I am sometimes scared of her intelligence. She is already way smarter than I am. I hope she doesn't grow up to be an evil genius. 
Right now her goal is to become a hippopotamus when she grows up, I hope that works out for her.
So, about the delays....she had been receiving birth to three services from the state of Connecticut. The day you turn three all that is turned over to the school system. After her birthday she started going to the school for speech twice a week. The school told me that she qualified for the preschool program for her speech delay. I did NOT want her to go to school this year. I wasn't ready. I thought I had this whole year with her at home and that she could start in the fall. After seeing her for a few weeks, they wanted to up her speech sessions from twice a week to four. Yikes. I mean, if she was already going four times a week, she should at least get the benefit of school, right? So, we had another meeting and now she is going to preschool.
TODAY.
I am happy for her. Really. She is going to makes lots of new friends, and learn to write her name and wear her adorable "moo" backpack that she picked out everyday.
But.
This is it. I no longer have her all to myself. I know that sounds so selfish and I guess it is. But, today marks the end of an era for me. When the other Kellen and Jenna started preschool (and then HORROR! Kindergarten), I was just as sad. At the back of my mind, however, I knew I still had someone else at home all day. I know some mothers think I am crazy and live for school days. I get that. I really do. I love having time to actually get stuff done and time to think without hearing squealing and fighting in the background and getting to actually drink my coffee before it gets cold.
Today just means that she is growing up. Which is a good thing and I am so happy for her. Really, I am.
I just might be crying a little behind my smile.
7 comments:
big day for you & riley...tell her to go get 'em :)
I totally understand and mommies are allowed to be selfish about their little ones..it is our God given right :) I remember crying like a baby on the last day of my official maternity leave..just because I knew things were going to be different from that point on..not bad, but just different. Mommy hugs coming your way today!
You make me so sad for you, but of course happy for Riley. I'm sure in a day or two you'll find plenty to keep your mind occupied. Hang in there!
P.S. When Everett starts "play school" ion the fall we'll have this talk in the reverse.
Those are wonderful pictures, so sweet of a tribute to her on her big day! I love that she wants to be a hippo! You'll have to tell the first boyfriend that one :)
She looks just like you!!! We're so proud of Riyee the big girl. Just think, now you have more time to call me. :) Where did you find that backpack, it is adorable.
awww. riley is too precious. i hope the day went well. :) definitely a big transition for mamma! thinking about you~
I am smiling through my tears for you too. How fast they do grow up. It it so much harder on the mommies than the kids, and breaks your heart a little more each day. But always know she will be your baby! Hugs to you and big girl love to Riley!
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