In just a few minutes, I will leave to pick up my baby girl from her first day of preschool. It’s here, and I still can hardly wrap my head around the fact that Lina’s in school.

My tiny girl weathered drop-off pretty well. The kids gather in the cafeteria before class starts, and the chaos and noise had her pretty overwhelmed. There was one major hair-pulling incident there, but she eventually walked willingly down the hall to the classroom holding her teacher’s hand and mine. (It was the first time she’s wanted to hold my hand when she didn’t need help!) Once she got into the classroom, the teacher gave her time to do a bit of exploring, and within minutes, she was happy and interested. When I said good-bye, she gave me one of her sweet hugs and kisses and went right back to playing: no tears, no drama. I got an email from the teacher saying she was doing great and LOVED the songs.

A new stage begins. I only cried a little on the way home.

Man, I really hate that backpack. I’ve got to find a better one. Anyone have suggestions for backpacks that will hold a folder and other necessities but not prevent my tiny child from being able to, you know, walk and stuff?