I knew this day would come.

I knew it when I picked up that sweet little bundle of pink blankets and inhaled the warmth of dreft-scented towels, powder, baby lotion, and Johnson & Johnson’s shampoo. I knew it when I kissed her sweet cheeks, and counted ten fingers and ten little toes.

Someday, I’d be sending her off for her first day of school. But that was YEARS in front of me.

I had YEARS to hold her, play with her, teach her songs, make her smile, giggle, belly-laugh. Years more to wipe away tears, and hurts, and teach her that though other kids might be cruel sometimes, she chooses how to respond to them. Years still, to teach her what it means to be a big sister–to love and protect her sweet baby sis, and if she did, she’d have a forever friend.

Then, last weekend, it happened.

We were shopping at Target, and turned the corner, and ran smack-dab into school supplies. SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

My husband made some comment about getting some crayons, glue sticks, paper, and a pencil box to get her ready for Kindergarten.

The sight of the princesses, Tinkerbell, and pink and purple binders made DD#1′s little eyes light up.

“Is it really time for school, mama?” she blinked at us.

“Almost, sweetie.”  My husband tousled her swishing ponytail. “Just a month away!”

Cheers ensued, and the shopping frenzy began.

I sagged into the cart, watching them fill it.

Here we go! That school bus rubber is meeting the road. School is around the corner (albeit, it’s Kindergarten and not School School), but–I have to admit this. I’m not ready. They’re ready. But I’m not. How can it already be time for my sweet baby to go to school?

I’ll put my brave face on. I’m going to do everything I’m supposed to do as the mama. But, seriously? I’m having fits of anxiety to beat the band.

Any suggestions, mamas?