FIRST DAY: our little schoolgirl

On Monday Phiney started school. She literally hopped, skipped and jumped her way through the doors and I left beaming with pride for our baby girl. No tears were shed by either of us (at least I didn't until Ben sent me the sweetest, kindest text message about being an ace Mama an hour later!) and she bounded out at the end of the morning with just as much enthusiasm, exclaiming how she couldn't wait to go back on Tuesday.

We had a little wobble on the walk to school yesterday (which disappeared as soon as we stepped inside the gates) and on our way home today she asked if she had to go in every day, but I think she's just so tired. It's an exhausting thing this starting school stuff, and this afternoon she mostly led on the sofa watching Tangled. Typically she also has a stinking cold (after two months away from pre-school and not a single sniffle!) which isn't helping matters. I think Friday and two days off will pretty welcome.

I know Phiney will love school - she just has a desire to learn and find out more about the world around her - I'm sure she's always had it. Always so many questions and, so brilliantly, always so much understanding. Mostly though, we're just so happy for Josephine. So happy that she's happy, and so proud of her.

We love you so much Phiney! xxx

LIFE

Life recently seems to have gone by in a blur. Josephine has been off pre-school for an epic Easter holiday (3 weeks!) and the lack of routine and places to be has been a relief. She's back now though and in all honesty, I think she's happy about it. She misses the time she gets away from the house and from Coralie and I, the time to be independent. Plus despite all my best day trip/crafty efforts, I just can't compete with the onslaught on amazing things pre-school has to offer on a daily basis! It seems strange her not being around on those three afternoons, but it's something we must all get used to - especially come September. But there's been far too much talk of school the last few days ;)!!

A few pictures from a couple of weeks ago at the Royal Crescent. The girl's discovered the most enormous spider and desperately wanted to hold it. It's pincers told me that wasn't a good idea! These girls are bug obsessed.

Roll on the warmer weather and picnic teas instead of rushing home for dinner.

SCHOOL

Today we found out which school Josephine will be going to in September. We got our first choice, which we're all very happy about, but it suddenly seems all the more real that, come September, our baby girl will be at school. It's an adventure she can't wait for. Autumn can't come quick enough for her. And she's so ready for it. But my Mama heart feels heavy knowing that we're coming to the end of an era. The last four years have gone in a blur and suddenly our tiny girl is a tall, curly haired, intelligent, inquisitive, imaginative, brilliant, kind and funny little woman. A whole new era is about to begin and I have to remind myself that that's awesome too.

Phiney went back to pre-school today after the Easter break with a spring in her step. She couldn't wait to get back there and I just about got a cuddle and a kiss before she ran off to join her buddies. I'm not worried at all about her starting school. About her loving it or about her happily heading off on her first day in September. I'm not sure I'll be quite so composed...