Amelia, you started VPK at an elementary school today. I started to write this post Friday night because I knew I needed some time to collect my thoughts and express all that I was feeling leading up to this day. Lately, I’ve found myself staring at you in awe of the little girl you’ve become. It seems like just yesterday I was being wheeled out of the hospital holding you, my tiny bundle of joy. You wore the sweetest little black and white polka dot outfit and you barely fit in your car seat. I remember being so scared as I left the hospital because Daddy and I were now responsible for our little girl who we had just met the morning before. Some days have seemed so long, but, the years have seemed so short. Every birthday is bittersweet – excited for all the new things we can do together, but sad to lose a bit of the baby in you with every passing year. Yes, I know you will always be my baby, but when I look at your beautiful little face, all traces of my chubby cheeked, button nose baby are gone. Growing up and experiencing new things is inevitable and a fact of life. But, I can’t help feel an immense sadness knowing that your days of daycare are gone. You are a little girl starting VPK at a big school.  I know I am more nervous than you and that you, my fearless little girl, will enter your classroom and never look back. But, as your momma I will always worry about you and whether you are okay. You are fearless, but, you also need time to warm up to new situations, just like your momma. This is a huge transition for you and you are entering a class full of faces you do not know. My hope for you is that you use the inner strength I know you possess to shake away any sadness or nerves and to walk up to others and introduce yourself. You are a strong-willed little girl and while I want you to be polite and use the manners I’ve taught you and to treat others with respect, I also want you stick up for yourself and let others know you are not going to take any crap.  Please feel free to give others some of the sassiness you give me, but, using your manners of course. I hope you realize that you can do anything you put your heart to and that the sky truly is the limit for you. I hope that you are not afraid to raise your hand and answer questions or show how smart of a girl you are. I hope that you make best friends, and laugh, and giggle. I hope that you never have to feel the pain of mean girls, but, if you do, that you always remember your worth and never stoop to their level. Most of all little girl, I hope you know how much Daddy and I love you and that we are here by your side through the ups, downs, good, bad, and ugly. Shine bright and reach for the stars. You will always be our little Moosky!