Proud and Sad at the Same Time...

Today was about as hard and wonderful as they come. I am so proud of both of my sweet girls as they enter new stages of their lives on the same day! Julee started high school today with nerves, excitement and a $75+ outfit!! So beautiful and so innocent. We have complete faith she will thrive in her new school and suspect she might even believe it too! This was one of those times where you imagine them as babies and then as a preschooler going off to school with their backpacks bigger than their little bodies and wonder "Really, where has the time gone?" And knowing that things will never be the same again after this day......

And then, a few hours later, our newest little one was dropped off at her new school to begin her Pre-K year. Chelsee was soo excited and so confident, it definitely made it easier on this old mom! Al and I talked to her about using her nice manners and listening to her teacher, Mrs. Moody and how she was going to make some new friends. She told us she already knew this and that to make sure we told everyone she was a big girl today! Her Kai-Lan "packpack" is almost heavier than she is and just about the same size but she can put it on and take it off like she has been doing it for years. I am so proud of this little one...to think she was in China without a family to dote on her just 5 months ago! And now, she can speak a new language and is ready to go off to school and learn so many things and be a part of a classroom and know that mommy will always come and pick her up. It is just beyond my wildest expectations! Truly remarkable to witness!

I have to admit, I kept my composure this morning when Julee walked out that door with her dad (30 minutes early)...then sat down and put my head in my hands! But with Chelsee, oh lordy, my voice kept creeping up into my throat all day. And when they came to take her out of her car seat in the drop off line, I still stayed cool with a big smile and a very happy send off! But as I looked back to see her looking up at and holding her new teacher's hand, I just lost it. She is so brave and so confident, it just took my breath away! I just can not wait to have both of my girls back in my arms again....I HATE the first day of school!!!!!!!!!

But how lucky I am. I know I am blessed to be the mom of these two magnificent girls. Tissues, please!