Somewhere between packing your lunches, tying your shoes, and hearing all about your days, kindergarten happened.

It came and went in the blink of an eye.

I remember standing outside your classroom on that very first morning. You looked so small with your backpack on, and I wasn’t sure which one of us was more nervous. As I watched you walk through those doors, I kept wondering if you were ready.

The truth is, I wasn’t sure if I was ready.

Because for the first time, I was handing a little piece of my heart over to the world and trusting that it would take care of you.

Now here we are at the end of the school year, and I’m amazed by how much can change in just a few short months.

You came home with stories about new friends, funny moments, and things you learned. You discovered what you were good at, what challenged you, and how capable you really are. Day by day, without even realizing it, you became a little more independent and a little more confident.

And while your report card will tell me everything you’ve learned in the classroom, it can’t measure the things that matter most.

It can’t show how brave you were when you tried something new.

It can’t show how kind you’ve been to others.

It can’t show the way you’ve grown into yourself.

As your kindergarten year comes to an end, I find myself holding two feelings at once. I’m proud of the person you’re becoming, and I’m missing the little version of you that started this journey.

But if this year has taught me anything, it’s that growing up isn’t something to be sad about.

It’s something to celebrate.

So here’s to your first year of school, my sweet girl. You did it.

And even though I’ll always see the tiny child who held my hand on that first day, I can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you.

I am so incredibly proud to be your mom.