Daddy took you to see Dr. Hughes today. It was your 15 month appointment. You are 16 months and 21 days old. Learn it early--Mommy and Daddy are slackers.

Dr. Hughes asked Daddy about to tell him about a "normal" day for you. He was very impressed with your vocabulary and animal impressions. In fact, when Daddy asked about our next appointment, Dr. Hughes explained that the 18 month check-up is primarily an autism screening and that he's not concerned at all. In fact, he said that, out of the hundreds (or thousands) of kids he's seen, you are about the least likely to have autism that he's ever seen. Lucky you!

When Anne Marie gave you your shots, you were not happy, but the guinea pig sticker she gave you fixed everything. You're getting so big. Next thing you know, she'll give you a sucker...

Well, I really wasn't anxious or excited about today, but for you it was a whole new experience. Today was your first day of "real" preschool--you weren't next door to Mommy, or even with teachers that Mommy knew well.

It was a very strange experience to walk you down that hallway, put your things in a cubby with your name on it, and hand you over the door to a friendly face that I only knew by name, reputation, and occasional polite "hellos". You looked very unsure, but went willingly and without tears.

I guess this is step one in a long series of little snips in the apron strings. In fact, this is a baby step compared to all the other moms dropping their kiddos off, because I'm still in the building. But the difference was huge--no "Mommy" being called over the door into my classroom, no sneaking hugs and kisses. I didn't let myself get upset at all, until now.

Of course, you had a wonderful day.