Wednesday, August 26, 2009

This Is Not My First Day on the Mommy Job...

...and yet, this morning found me on the playground of Cate's preschool *weeping.* I told Brian he would just have to quit school and go back home to taking care of her full time. We had to sit in the observation room until I was composed enough to be able to go to class.

Frances is in fourth grade and this is Cate's second year of preschool, so I've got a few first days of school under my belt. The weepiness this morning was quite unexpected and I am at a loss to explain it, though it does seem to go along with my general irrational emotional responses to all things Cate-related (that's a post for another day).

Cate, in typical Cate fashion, was completely unconcerned with my tears. As soon as she saw her teacher and she ran and gave her a hug and then turned around, hugged my leg, said a quick dismissive "bye," and walked away. Which really didn't help matters at all.

Here's hoping I get through tomorrow without feeling like an emotional mess.

4 comments:

Alison Piepmeier said...

I am finding that it's so often the case that the kids are fine and the parents are basket cases. I'm glad Cate went off as her jaunty self to have a great first day back at school! I hope you're feeling better, too.

claire said...

I think that the "oh my gosh you are getting so big where did all the time go?" (if that was part of your weepiness) comes upon me at the most unexpected times. And bravo to cate for being unconcerned.

Southern Diva said...

I cried more the year my daughter started first grade than I did when she started kindergarten. And I had another crying jag when she started middle school-she didn't look like my "baby" any more. This fall, she starts high school and is in VA with her dad, and I will probably cry a river because for the first time ever, I won't be there for her first day of school. It's what we do.

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of when I cried, not because I had to leave Morgan, but because she was last to be picked up. First days are tough for me, too. Matter of fact, a lot of the others are tough too. Take joy in the fact that you are able to do something you love.

Tessa