Today was another milestone in the life and times of the Woods family.  Our little baby nugget, Calla, started pre-school.  She has been so excited about starting school and being a big kid like her brother.  She has pretended to play school for months now and has asked about it all the time.  (Ezra was nowhere near as excited about the start of school.)

Last night we talked about it a lot at bedtime.

She was so squirmy and giggly she could barely get settled in.

But she said…“Daddy, you put me night night tonight because you are sooooo warm and cuddly.”  She went on to tell me, “I am your baby girl and no one else’s!”  I went on to agree with her on both accounts.  (Yes, I’m including warm and cuddly).  Then she let me snuggle next to her and sing her to sleep.

When she came down the stairs this morning at 7:15…she had already dressed herself in the dress and shoes she had picked out the night before, ready for school. Glowing.  Smiling ear to ear.  She even picked out what Crystal was to wear.  She proceeded to give us the run down of her plans…who was to drop her off, pick her up, and so forth…even though we had almost 4 hours before her class actually began.

It’s weird.  I handled it pretty well today.  Better than I thought I would.  Maybe Kindergarten is what will hit me like a truck.  With Ezra, I made it to the driveway after dropping him off last year before I started sobbing.  (Yes, it qualified as sobbing.  I can’t believe I just said that on the internet.)

Maybe it’s because pre-school isn’t as big of a step as kindergarten.  Maybe it’s because she is just ready.  Maybe it’s because I’ve grown up a bit in this last year, maybe having done it once already takes the edge off a touch…or maybe its because I trust God more now with those I love the most.  Hopefully its because I trust God more now with those I love the most.

My baby girl is becoming a big kid.  And she will always be my baby…always.  Regardless of how much growing up she does, she’s still my miracle.   And as the milestones in her life keep coming, I pray God continues to grow me into a man who can trust Him enough to let her grow up.