I admit I sobbed like a big baby, which I would have done anyway. My mascara didn't stand a chance....
Good thing I know how to draw.
She got her diploma and an Award in Current Events. She also had the recognition of her peers for math, since she organized study groups and helped many other students to learn math. My heart is bursting and I'm so proud of my girl!
What milestones have your little ones passed?
Share this moment.
My youngest just finished Kindergarten, and she thinks she's all grown up now. Not if I get my way, she's not leaving ever. :)
ReplyDeleteMy first born just finished Kindergarten. I wasn't as emotional as I thought I would be, probably because she goes to the same school I teach at. Now, when fifth grade rolls around and she moves to a new school I'll probably be broken hearted. I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when she hits high school graduation. (probably really old) It's such a great accomplishment, but also the start of their world without you in it 24/7. That saddens me. I guess I have 12 years to prepare.
ReplyDeleteJC. My oldest is my daughter. I have said to her her entire life, whenever she is down or feeling overwhelmed she is indeed the first thing I ever did right. She changed my life. She took me from a narcissistic fly by my pants self indulgent party girl to a mother who saw the beauty of a butterfly, worried about family traditions and moral fiber. Her first day of school, her first time on the bus, her first lost tooth, then her going to congress at 15, all made me proud, she has now crossed 3 stages in 3 cap and gowns, each time my heart bursts as I see that little baby smile back at my mascara stained face in a sea of faces. When she spread her wings I slept in her room for a time, the emptiness and loss was so great, but I knew it was her time. I have adjusted now, and I look forward to my next mommy milestones for my little girl, where I one day will be helping her find a dress and a veil, flowers and a cake, then eventually a crib and a stroller, and my heart will go full circle and she will understand what I meant every time I thanked her for being my daughter. Congratulations JC. Enjoy your journey my dear, I do believe that daughters make the world go around.
ReplyDeleteNathan - I know that feeling! Parenting is a huge exercise in letting go....
ReplyDeleteGeauxHeather - I tried to brace myself. Motherhood really is like letting your heart walk around outside your body.
Peach - Your comments enrich the value of this and every blog you grace with your presence. You are thoughtful, funny and kind, your words resonate. Thank-you for visiting me here, I'm so grateful to call you my friend, as we attempt to navigate motherhood and womanhood....and people-hood!
ReplyDeleteHere's to made up words!!
I was fine when my oldest started preschool and then worked his way through kindergarten...First grade though, that one hit me like a ton of bricks & I balled for the first week. My youngest just started preschool this past December and so far it's not hit me too hard. I imagine though the waterworks will start up soon enough. My biggest anxiety comes from thinking of the future, picturing them graduating, going to college, moving out, getting married, having children...and I ball...cause right now I'm too young for grandbabies!
ReplyDeleteI have a similar kneejerk reaction though when it's come to my baby brother - he's only 5yrs younger than me, but I BALLLLLED at his high school graduation, then BALLLLLLLLLED when he left for boot camp....and again when I found out he was getting married & having babies (TWO almost exactly a year apart - the newest one due Aug 1, older one was born Aug 10, last year!). And it swells my heart to the brim to see the awesome man/husband/daddy he's become & that I helped shape by being the awesome big sister that I am. ((Ok, I admit, some of it does have to do with the fact that my son looks a LOT like my baby brother, as I remember him as a young squirt, and it makes me think of when he gets older...and between you and Peachy I'm a bumbling mess right now... <3 Congrats to you & your daughter!!!
you made me cry!!! but then again i did just have my baby graduate from kdg it is to sad i cried like a baby when he couldnt see me and now i go and cry again
ReplyDeleteang
Well, the big graduated to wearing undies to bed at night. The little is just starting to actually talk, so we are still at the beginning of the milestone rainbow. It still breaks my heart though, because the big is going to be going off to preschool soon and I know how quickly things will go from there.
ReplyDeleteO yea, and congrats to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteMy son just recently won a design award; taking something from a concept and turning it into a tangible object of art. I was so proud, the buttons on my shirt popped off and broke a window.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there is hope.
On the other hand, my six year old hacked into my purportedly secure computer.. Im not so sure that qualifies as a milestone.
Stephi - I'm going to have to draw you a JUMBO sized box of tissues. We'll share it!
ReplyDeleteMama Bennie - milestone "rainbow"....I love that.
ReplyDeleteAng - Congrats to your baby and you're welcome to share the tissues here hon!
ReplyDeleteJoe - You popped a button and broke a window? That is frikkin' animatable! I love it. And YES a six year old hacking into your computer IS a milestone. Ha! Thanks for bringing a smile.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just finished her first musical theatre production where she sang for the first time as a professional. I watched her and remembered her singing in the bathtub, in the apartment lobby and in the car. There she was all grown-up and beautiful but I could still see my little girl dancing around in my shoes. Congrats on the milestone JC and thanks for that sweet blog!
ReplyDeleteWhen my son graduated from Army Basic Training, he graduated top of his class as soldier of the cycle. With this he was the one who was going to be the one to recite the soldier's creed to the entire class. But when the time came, this "man" came across the microphone and started to speak; I turned to my husband and said, "I thought Nik was going to do this, who is that man?" Hubby, said to me, "that MAN is our son!" I cried like a baby.
ReplyDeleteLorie from The Shewbridges of Central Florida
http://wmljshewbridge.blogspot.com
LJS65@aol.com
SheWhoMustBeHrd - that's a beautiful description of your daughter, I can just picture it!
ReplyDeleteLorie - you just made me tear up. Thank-you for sharing that story here. You must be so proud too!
Congratulations to your little baby. You must be really proud!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a son who is an addict. For the past two years we've been simply trying to ensure he lives. My goals for him have changed from a Division 1 college to "healthy young man". I can see your animation in my looking at my son.
ReplyDeleteI got something in my eye
ReplyDeleteLove the drawing. Love the sentiment. I'm getting choked up just thinking that someday not far away, my son will be all grown up. I'm hugging him tighter and inhaling all his toddlerness.
ReplyDeleteEgehead - You just blew me away. Hang in there momma.
ReplyDeleteMy firstborn is getting ready to enter high school. He is an outstanding young man and is already making plans for college and how to pay for it. He signed up for ROTC and is registered for all Honors classes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing back great memories!
ReplyDeleteWe'd had some bike size issues, she had grown out of a couple, then we were traveling and well we just didn't get much practice is last year. The weather had seriouly sucked this spring, so we finally got out there to practice. She had serious doubts but I knew with all the ballet she'd had, her balance would help. My little girl learned to ride her bike in like 2 days and became a little speed demon. "I can't believe I couldn't ride before! " she said "Why did I even need training wheels!"
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny, it's so cool!! Suddenly we have tons more freedom and independence. And time is flying by...
I know just how you feel. My oldest graduated last year and my 2nd born graduates next year.... It is such a bitter sweet moment because you know that they have grown up and now you can only hope that you have given them enough guidance, and love to help them in the world. Congratulations on this milestone.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! Kim told me I just had to follow you and I'm glad I did!
ReplyDeleteKas
We finally potty trained and gave up the binky! Great illustrations, as usual :)
ReplyDeleteBaby #1 out of braces, just finished 8th grade and going in to high school. (sob)
ReplyDeleteBaby #2 getting ready for braces, just finished 5th grade and going in to middle-school. (sniffle)
Baby #3 still no teeth and started crawling 6 days ago. (Tear trickle)
My daughters are 14 years, 11 year, and 9months.
Con’grad’ulations to you and your daughter! You both made it! And YAY Math!!!
Sarah
Major Bummer about the camera. Congrats on the graduation though! I feel your pain. My FirstBorn just graduated but we couldn't get a seat in the stands even though we got there an hour before it started. I had to shoot pics from the far end of the stadium - through a fence. Love your animations throughout the blog!
ReplyDelete