I'm a Schoolkid!

Remember my last post where Molly was able to stay and play at Mia's house while I went shopping? A first in the history of Molly. A monumental breakthrough.

Well, when I returned to pick Molly up and saw the smile on her face indicating that she had a great time, I turned to my friend Stacy and said, "She is so going to preschool!"

Upon returning home I ran reached for the phonebook and started dialing. I already had a list of schools. Molly kept telling me she wanted to be a schoolkid. She just didn't like the part about be there without me. When we discussed this aspect she quickly and unequivocally changed her mind about school.

But now that she was showing signs of independence maybe it was time. It must have been karma, because the first school that I called just had a cancellation. Seems the young lad wasn't potty trained so had to withdraw. I think the first words out of my mouth were, "We'll take it. How soon can she start?"

It's not that I am trying to pawn my kid off so that I can have some time at the spa (although now that I think about it, that doesn't sound like a bad idea). It's that Molly has had a little trouble leaving the nest. By little trouble I mean that she cries at the thought of it. I don't mean a few tears. I mean the absolute terror reaction that she had when they placed her in my arms on Gotcha Day.

I decided a long time ago that Molly has had enough trauma in her little life. I was going to let her take the lead. She could flex her independence muscles when she was good and ready, even if it meant me going away to college with her. And I didn't care what anyone said or thought about it.

But now that she is spreading her wings, I say "Fly, baby, fly!" And fly she has.

I am pleased to introduce to you:

Molly, the schoolkid, on her very first day of school!

(When Molly saw this picture she started singing, "How much is that Mommy in the window?" Heh! Way too cute for words.)

Striking a pose before heading down to her classroom.

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And another. Cut me some slack...it's my kid's first day of school. I am entitled to take a picture or two(hundred).

Here's where she gave me a kiss and headed into her classroom...all alone!

Okay, I was just across the hall (and peeking in the window) but still, c'mon, that's pretty darn awesome.

Here are a few shots that I got while sneakin' and a peakin' through the window.

She spent some time playing by herself, but she played with confidence.

Here's Molly getting her schoolgirl grove on. Notice the raised hand. She's a participator!

Got busted on this one. She saw me through the window. Oh well, it was dismissal time so all was good.

Molly with her two wonderful, caring teachers. Gotta love the teachers!

I was proud of Molly.

Molly was proud of Molly

A celebration was in order:

Chocolate milk and....

...a cookie as big as her head!

Molly was so excited that she wore her nametag all day so that everyone would know that she was a schoolkid. Rock on, sister!

Oh, and me? How am I going to spend my new five hours of freedom independence each week? I'm like a kid in a candy store. I don't know what to pick first, but am excited all the same!