Darling Jessica,
I can’t quite believe we’re here; that today is your last day of preschool. It doesn’t feel so very long ago that I walked you to preschool for the first time and came home and cried a little at the thought that my baby girl was big enough to be going to preschool. How long those three hours before I came to collect you seemed – wondering how you were getting on, whether you were enjoying yourself, whether you missed me.
And now here we are, 18 months on, and today you will be going to preschool for the last time. No doubt today, I will drop you off at preschool once again and come home and cry a little. Another era over, another chapter in your life that has come to an end. Yes, we still have the summer holidays ahead but from this point onwards, holidays and weekends will be the only times that you are all mine once again, and each time you will be a little less so. A little older, a little more independent, gradually growing a little away from me.
This is how it should be. I have moments of wishing that I could keep you this way for ever, wishing that you could always be little and then I realise. I realise that this is a wish that could have all too easily be granted had we not been so lucky. To be able to watch you grow, to take these steps away from me and into the world is a huge blessing and I know just how incredibly fortunate we are to be able to do so. I may feel a little sadness that you are growing up so quickly, but you are growing up and that is something I am so very thankful for.
Darling girl, you will be fine I know. You have a smile that can light up the world; you have an inner confidence that is wonderful to see and you carry joy in your heart. To you life is one huge adventure. Every step ahead is a challenge to be embraced and you meet them all with so much courage. I hope and pray that you will always have that strength, that confidence and that inner joy and that life will always be a big adventure to you. I have no doubt that you will love it at big school and I know that my job is to let you spread your wings and fly, safe in the knowledge that I will be always be here waiting for you to come back again.
In the meantime though, you have one last day to enjoy at preschool and a whole summer to fill with beautiful memories. I’ll certainly be making the most of it and cherishing these last few weeks when you are still mine.
Love you millions and billions.
Mummy xxxx
Awww…congrats to Jessica! I know it can seem like they’re growing up too fast sometimes, but watching them grow and learn is such a joy. I’m sure you’ll make lots of wonderful memories this summer. #BloggerClubUK
It is a joy to watch them learn and grow – hopefully the summer will go by nice and slowly so we can make the most of it! 🙂
Such a beautiful post Louise, it reminds me of that quote, give them the roots to grow and the wings to fly… You are doing just that with your precious girl. Beautiful photo in her graduation outfit too! Congratulations!
Thank you Catie – I like that quote, but it’s so hard to do sometimes!
It is hunny but you are doing it and beautifully too. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you x
What a lovely post, it put a tear in my eye imagining how you’re feeling and how I might be in the same position a year from now. Such a mix of emotions – letting them go, knowing they have to grow but recalling all those precious moments.
Thank you Dan – it is hard knowing you have to let go but we’ve certainly made a lot of memories during those preschool years as you are also doing with Tilly.
Ah!! This made me cry Louise! Such a moving letter – you write so beautifully. That mixture of emotions that comes with every milestone they reach. And for you all especially with what you have been through with your beautiful Jessica. Enjoy every moment of the summer together. I hope Jessica enjoys her last day and i am sure she will continue to make you proud at school and beyond xx
Thank you Rebecca – it is such a big milestone especially considering the journey so far. We will definitely be making the most of the summer! 🙂
Ahh, look at her. It’s strange because I feel like I know her and can appreciate how much she’s grown in this last year. She has a place in all of our hearts too! Xx
#bloggerclubuk
Aww thank you – she is certainly growing up quickly! x
Aww! Such a beautiful post…
Well done Jessica….It’s such a big change but I am sure you will both embrace big school x
Thank you Kim – it is a big change and I’m sure we will embrace it – Jessica more quickly than me, no doubt! 🙂
Louise this is beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. Jessica is such a wonderful little girl and I am sure she will continue to thrive as you say. I totally understand your feelings about her growing so fast though. It really makes me laugh when pre-schoolers ‘graduate’ in robes!! My niece did that and I thought it was hilarious.
Enjoy your summer and cherish these moments, you’ve got plenty more amazing memories still to come. #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you so much Ellen. I am sure she will love school and we will certainly be making the most of the summer. The graduation photo did make me chuckle but it is a lovely picture to have 🙂
Congratulations, Jessica!
What lovely photos and such a touching post. You must be incredibly proud of her. I know I would be! Our babies grow up so fast. #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you Sarah – I am very proud of her, but yes these babies certainly grow up quickly!
Aww this is so sweet Louise, what wonderful pictures of your darling girl! What a momentous day to be spending the last day at pre-school and preparing for the next chapter – I can’t imagine how emotional I will be feeling when the day comes. Hope you have a wonderful summer together 🙂 xx #bloggerclubuk
Thank you Bridie – it is such a big step and a very emotional one for me, although Jessica has taken it all in her stride 🙂
Oh this made me quite teary, what a beautiful post with gorgeous sentiments. When you said ‘I may feel a little sadness that you are growing up so quickly, but you are growing up…’ Just beautiful. I hope (I’m sure you will) enjoy a wonderful summer of memory-making all together #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you Lucy, sorry to make you teary though x