oh the places you will go

And so, just like that, my baby boy really is a baby no longer.

He went off to preschool with the biggest, most excited smile ever.

He can't wait to make new friends,

and learn new things.

Mummy made it out of the door with a big proud smile

and cheery wave,

before crumpling into tears just out of sight.

Preschool just feels like the beginning of a series of acts of 'letting go'

that I'll have to do with my children as they grow.

Five preschool sessions this year, 

will turn into five school days next year,

and that is just the beginning of years of education.

Years which will see him gradually gain more independence,

and strike out on his own path.

He is completely ready to start preschool,

he is ready to be challenged,

to gain more independence,

to have some space of his own

and make friends of his own.

He is ready to take on a little piece of this big wide world,

without his mummy always there to hold his hand.

Of course this mummy will still be there 

with an ever willing hand to hold should he need or want it,

but watching from the sidelines a little more.

With every breath that handsome kid of mine takes,

I am ever prouder of him.

He is kind, friendly and thoughtful,

with a super big and sensitive heart.

He is brave, funny and bright,

with a sharp and inquisitive brain

and the most incredible memory.

He makes me proud every single day,

and I'm excited to see him go out and show the world

just how special and amazing we already know he is.

I'm proud of who he is,

and I'm proud of whoever he'll become;

and this is just another step towards shaping who he'll be.

So go and knock 'em dead little man.

Rock their worlds like you've rocked ours.

Be the you we've taught you to be.

...And remember that Mummy needs an extra big cuddle every day now,

just to make up for all the cuddles she's missing out on.