I honestly can’t believe that my baby girl will be starting school next month. Yes, she can be precocious and sometimes unreasonable and oh so bold and she drives me mental at least a few times a day. But she is also my sidekick, my fellow adventurer, my giggle buddy, my little best friend and I am going to miss her incredibly when she is away for five whole days every week.

I hope with all my heart that she will enjoy school. That she will have lots of fun and adventures. That she will make lots of new friends and learn lots of new things. And I will be right there cheering her on at the start of this new chapter, and for all the rest to come. But, excepting the addition of her baby brother, this will be the biggest change in our lives since the little lady arrived in the world late on that warm Tuesday August night.

I really will miss the freedom we have had these last 5 years. Until now we’ve been able to go to soft-play during term-time when it’s quiet, we’ve gone to the park whenever we wanted – or as soon as there was a break in the rain, we’ve gone to the beach on a whim, and we’ve been able to have a chill out day playing or watching a movie at home whenever we’ve felt like it. It has been the most wonderful time and I’m so grateful for every minute of it.

This is the end of a truly special era. I know that when I walk my teeny tiny 5 year old – who I love more than I ever thought possible – to those school gates and say bye to her on that first day (and possibly for quite a few after) I will be a complete mess. I will try my hardest to smile and wave but I will be a puddle of snot and tears as soon as she is out of sight. Because this precious and amazing time that we’ve had is gone now. And everything is going to be different. I know that this will be a wonderful thing for her, exciting for both of us, but it feels very bittersweet for me.

So here’s to new beginnings and lots of fantastic adventures. But here’s also to taking just a moment to think about all that has gone before. And here’s to acknowledging the wonder, the excitement, the poignancy and the sadness at seeing my little baby change into a child and take the first of many independent steps away from me. On her own, but with me right by her side.

I’ll miss you more than you could possibly understand my wonderful little lady, and I will celebrate everything that you become. Always.

I hope that you are all coping with this change better than I am!

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