Yep.  It finally happened.  Little Miss Nadia is currently at her first day of Kindergarten.  Honest to goodness, I’m doing better than I thought I would.  At least for now.  😉  Had you talked to me last week, though, you would have heard me say the opposite.  I was really, reeeeaaallly dreading this day.  But as it turns out, I’m good.  She’s good.  We’re all good.

It definitely helped us all calm our nerves when we met her teacher yesterday.  Talk about yet another match made in heaven.  Nadia had an amazing preschool teacher for 3 years, and we weren’t sure what to expect for this year.  As we all sat in the IEP meeting last year, everyone agreed that we were a little nervous about her transition to Kindergarten.  Not because of the academic part but because of all the changes- change in teacher, aides, longer school day, etc.  But yesterday Dana and I sat on the sidelines as we watched Nadia rocking her assessment like it was no big deal.  Heck, she was answering questions that my husband and I didn’t even realize she knew the answers to.  She really does surprise us quite often.  She was laughing, having fun with her new teacher, and she even came home and said she loves her.  She’ll be spending part of the day in the special education classroom for subjects like math and reading, but honestly, no matter what room she’s in, she has two teachers that seem to already adore her.  And I know from experience that Nadia- our little social butterfly (despite having what some would call a “social disorder”) is ah-ma-zing and will likely transition just fine!

I think I’ll always feel a little melancholy every time there’s a big transition, but I’ve learned to enjoy each season as it comes.  When Nadia was diagnosed with autism a few years ago, I had to toss my former expectations of what motherhood would look like out the window and embrace each day as it came.  It doesn’t always come naturally, but over time, with practice and intentionality, I’ve learned to LOVE every age and stage.  I miss the baby years only for the cradling of a tiny person, but now I have a sweet big girl who still enjoys being snuggled up in bed with me on cold mornings but at the same time can tell me funny jokes while we do it!  Sometimes I swear it’s even better.  I mean, depending on whether or not the joke is making fun of me or daddy.  😉

So yes, today I have a big Kindergartener, but she’s still a child that’s growing into a wonderful little woman that I couldn’t possibly be more proud of!!  This is just another rite of passage for a parent, and today Dana and I are passing through it together.  And we’re both so thankful that we get to experience this moment as we raise our darling girl.

Nadia,
You’re intelligent and have a very bright future ahead!  You have an incredible amount of strengths that are going to take you so far- don’t be afraid to let them shine.  And remember that we are always always on your side.  Go get ’em, babe.  We’re so proud of you kiddo.  You’re our favorite.
Love, Mama & Dada (and Lambie… always Lambie)