Big Changes

Recently, we made the difficult decision to leave the daycare/nursery school Milan has attended since she was 5 months old. I cried my eyes out the day we put down the deposit to her new preschool.  That was a couple of months ago, and yesterday, the day I've dreaded for weeks and weeks, finally arrived.....her last day.  I've been an emotional wreck all of yesterday and most of today.  We've all loved this school from day one, and made the decision to let her continue to attend, two days a week, even after I was laid off nearly two years ago.  These last few days have been a constant barrage of memories from the last three years, and I can only describe our leaving as being heartbreaking.  I worry that we made the wrong decision.  I worry she won't love her new school.  I feel like a terrible parent for taking her away from the only teachers and friends she has ever known.  I feel guilty for taking her away from a place she loves and is loved.  I feel sad knowing I will no longer see the teachers and the other children I've seen nearly every week for 3 years.  I feel extremely emotional knowing this, in a way, closes the chapters on her infancy and toddlerhood, as we emerge into the preschool years.  I feel shocked at how quickly 3 years have gone by.

I realize that making these kinds of decisions is what being a parent is all about, but this is the part of being a parent I dislike the most.  I can't wait to get to the other side of this ache in my heart, knowing that Milan is happy and well-adjusted in her new school, and knowing we walk away with 3 years worth of wonderful memories.  

They held a good-bye party for Milan yesterday.  They did all of Milan's favorite things which included: dancing, watching Dora, reading princess stories, and eating ice cream sundaes.  James and I were overcome with emotion when we picked up Milan and prepared to leave the school for the last time.  We watched as each of her friends, one by one, walked over to hug and kiss Milan good-bye.

Silly faces

Surprised faces

Monkey faces

Happy faces

 And a special thanks to Jen.  We knew the minute we met you 3 years ago, our little baby would be in good hands.  Thank you for helping us take care of her over the last three years.  She loves you.  We all love you!