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.