Today was the big Kindergarten registration and bus ride. The bus was running about 10 minutes early, so my mom didn't get there in time to get photos of us getting on the bus. (But, I give her credit because she and my dad were there when they dropped us off in the pouring rain -- Dad met us at the bus door with an open umbrella!).

All in all, it was a blast. Kelly is quite excited. The parents had plenty of time to chat and get to know each other and the whole day was nothing but positive (except for the pouring rain and the early bus, of course).

One of the other moms that I talked to remarked that I was handling it (the kindergarten orientation) quite well. "With my oldest, I was in the corner, choking back tears. I didn't want to talk to anyone," she said.

I knew that wouldn't be me.

First of all...I'm never at a loss for words.

Secondly, I'm sentimental, but not in a weepy, looking-back way. Frankly, I'm glad my baby years are behind me. I'll be glad to never change another diaper or mix up another bottle of Similac for a good 25 years (I expect to be a hands-on Grandma).

And, I'm excited for Kelly. She's excited. This is exciting.

I know that things will never be the same. She will never be the same. She will soon learn how to buy her own lunch and ride the bus alone and tie her own shoes and play ball hockey and read and count change.

And I suppose it's a little sad that my innocent baby will now be on her own (sort of) 8 hours a day, but if you could see her face -- how happy she is -- how excited she is -- how ready to do it all herself she is -- you would understand why I can't possibly sit in a corner in mourn what was.

All I see in those bright eyes and wide smile and giddy laughter is all that she can become.

Nothing sad about that.