We Are Ready

Tomorrow is our preschool orientation.  The child and one parent go for an hour, do a couple crafts, meet the teacher and get familiar with the room.  To say that I'm excited wouldn't be accurate.  I'm elated that Zoe is ready to start this next stage of her life. 

I've read many things my friends have written over the years about missing the baby stage or not being ready for the next stage.  Maybe it is because I know this is my only chance to soak up every moment in Zoe's life or maybe some other reason, but I never mourn the passing of one chapter or the start of the next.

I loved the baby stage.  All the cuddles and the naps.  The naps were my favorite part!  I loved seeing how much she grew each month.  By the time the toddler stage came, I was so ready for it.  I loved that she could communicate with me and started to show her sweet personality.  I loved that I didn't have to carry her everywhere and she could eat what we ate.  No more mixing formula or making sure we had some.

Now that we are out of the toddler stage and into the pre-school stage, I'm beyond ready.  Zoe now tells me her stories.  We do pretend play all the time.  I actually think this is my favorite stage so far.  She likes to play practical jokes and to tell jokes.  She loves to sing and dance.  She wants me to read to her and to tell her stories.  I love hearing what's going through her mind.  It's rarely what I think it is and usually incredibly funny.

With preschool a week away, I'm excited to see what this next stage will bring.  I know it will include a whole new group of friends, new adventures, some tears and much laughter.  Even though I loved the baby Zoe, over the last three years I've become completely smitten with this Zoe.  She's the kid I always prayed she would be.  While there may be tears at the first day of preschool, they will be tears of joy at just how far she's come.