We took Pea to a local nursery school this morning to meet with the Director and possibly enroll her for the fall term. She seems so ready to be in a classroom with other children, learning and growing. It shocks me somewhat that they are enrolling children so early these days. I remember when I was a kid that preschool wasn’t until you were three, and it was even optional at that point. But I certainly don’t want her to be missing any opportunities that all of her peers are taking. So, we went to check it all out.

There was one slot left in her age group, a sign to my husband that this was the program she was meant to be in. I don’t believe much in signs, but ok… We had earlier been to visit a Montessori school, a program I am all in favor of, husband, not so much. As it turns out, the Director of this program is a Montessori teacher. So, ha! I kind of win. Kind of. But the real beauty of this school is that it’s literally a walk from my home. And that’s not all. While we were there, we saw the kids in the summer program, and that was it! They were having fun! Swimming! Growing things in a garden with their own name plates next to their plantings! Smiling! We enrolled her in that program, too. So, starting tomorrow, my little Pea is going to be in summer camp on Monday-Wednesday-Friday from 9 until 12. Wow! It’s all happening so fast! I’m sad. I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’m relieved. Other kids for her to play with! A break for mommy! Can it get much better than this?

Plus, the real treat of it all was that I got to go back to Target! Because Pea needed water moccasins. And bathing suits. And swim diapers. Oh yeah. And I was so good. I only bought what was on my list. The things she needed. (Could I also have been so restrained because my husband was with us? Possibly. Note to self: take him to Target every visit and we will be ok.)

But then I got home. And I ordered her a little backpack embroidered with her name. It’s a “toddler” backpack. Who knew they even made such a thing? Best of all? Sale! And then, of course, she needed a lunch bag. Something reusable. Not on sale, but sooo cute. She loves ducks. I could not resist. Oh, and of course the labels. Everything even remotely belonging to her must be clearly labeled. (Note to husband: all items mentioned above are in the budget. I promise. And have I told you lately how much I love you?)

God, I’m going to miss this little girl.