She is two and a half, confident, sure of herself, and ready. Giuliana walked onto campus ready to take on her first day of preschool. David and I were forced to place her in preschool due to me having to return to the office part-time (new office rule) and not having anyone to care for her those days and times I wasn’t at home. I was heartbroken when my boss told me of the changes. I had enjoyed being home with Giuliana the last 2 1/2 years and although I knew we were going to place her in preschool soon, I wanted it to be on my terms. So it goes without saying, I thought I was going to have the hardest time on her first day. But seeing Giuliana giggle and smile her way to her classroom put my heart at ease and I honestly couldn’t help but smile right along with her.

David and I walked her into the room where she met her teacher and new classmates. She walked right in, practically forgot about us, and headed towards everyone else. We actually had to call her back for a kiss and hug good-bye. She ran up to us, threw her arms around our necks and gave planted a kiss on our cheek, and that was that.

All day I could hardly wait to pick her up. Ms. Patty sent us photos and text messages throughout the day to let us know all was okay. That was so helpful! When we arrived to pick her up, she wasn’t all that excited to see us. She actually wanted to stay longer to play. I had mixed emotions about it. I think I built it up in my head that Giuliana would be so thrilled to see us at the end of her day, so happy to go home. But then I almost immediately felt a sense of relief. Her first day away from us, with people she did not know—she still thrived. To know that she had a wonderful first day, to believe she was treated so well that she wanted to stay longer, made me incredibly happy.

David and I took her for a special treat, frozen yogurt with sprinkles of course. We sat at the table in the yogurt shop as I tried to talk to her about her day. She didn’t say much. Didn’t give any feedback until later that night. We were laying down together and she looked at me and said, “So mommy do you want to talk?” I replied, “Of course, I’d love to talk. Can we talk about your day at school?” She said, “Well, okay.” Then she went on to tell me how she read books, drew pictures with chalk, played with toys (with friends and independently), played with blocks and the pretend kitchen outside. She was excited for day 2.

I had peace of mind that night going to bed. My little girl who is 2 1/2 going on 5 is the sweetest kid ever. I am so proud…like really proud to be her mommy.