Tomorrow is a big day for Madeline. We're registering her for kindergarten at the annual Kindergarten Round-Up. I have all of her papers collected - birth certificate, social security card, proof that we actually live on this side of town - and we're all set.
I'm a little nervous, actually.
Part of me is so excited for her to be entering the public school system where she'll meet her closest friends and have (hopefully) wonderful memories years from now. I'm happy that she'll be exposed to lots of different types of people in her new school, and I'm thankful that it's one of the best elementary schools in town. She should get a fantastic education and I hope she'll thrive in the environment.
The other part of me is sad to be leaving the little private school she's in now for prekindergarten. We've come to love that place, and we know most everyone there. The classes are small and her teachers are so loving and caring. Everyone knows Madeline by name and they all love her. Part of me just wants to keep her sheltered there, protected from the crowds at the bigger school. It's just so comfortable there.
We're making the switch, though. I think it will be great for Madeline, and it will be great for us, too - once we get over the growing pains that come with change. Sam and I were educated in the public school system. I didn't have a choice when I was in school. Public school was all there was. And I did just fine, I think, and so did Sam.
Maddie will do just fine, too. And so will we.