Preschool Graduation Blues

Yesterday was Baby Girl's last day of preschool. I can't believe that she will be in kindergarten in the fall! She just missed the age cut-off to be in kindergarten this year, so she is one of the oldest in her class and is my personal oldest preschool graduate. In preparation for her inevitable melancholy, I tried to shore up my emotional resources and plan fun activities-activities that she can do on her own so I can continue, uninterrupted, to eat bon bons while being fanned with palm frawns!

 Baby Girl is quite a precocious tot, and not in a fun-to-brag-about-at a cocktail party, "and it was so cute, yesterday she wrote a song about the periodic table of elements, you should hear the way she pronounces technetium" way, but in more of a if-I-hold-my-breath-can-I-fit-under-that-pew? "Mommy, this is the song that Kurt sang with Darren Criss on Glee, last year, on the Christmas episode-remember?" kind of way- and did I mention, that baby girl can really project her voice?-okay, so I am not proud-well only a little-but my point is, you never really know what to expect with Baby Girl. (But odds are good that it will include a spot-on Lady Gaga impression.)

I picked Baby Girl up from her VERY LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL EVER and asked her teacher if there were many tears. No, no tears, she said. After baby girl was all buckled in her car seat I asked her if she was so sad about her last day of school. I was quite surprised when all she said was, "I will really miss the Gingerbread Cottage next year. Maybe I can pretend I am 4 and go back next year!" Giggle, giggle. "Can we have Chick-Fil-A for lunch?"

Really?!? I look at her via the rear view mirror-searching for signs of heart-ache. Nothing.

"Sure, that sounds good. You've had such a big day," pause, "I mean, the very last day you will EVER be in preschool. That's huge! Kinda sad, huh?"

"Yeah. Can I have a chicken salad sandwich and sweet tea? I'm really hungry."

"Sure babe. I'm sure that will help make you feel less sad."

"Ummm, okay. French fries too?"

"Of course! French fries are perfect for mending a broken-heart."

"What?"

"Never mind."

So, next month, Oldest Daughter graduates from high school...