Back to School

Yesterday Lorenne started 1st grade. I can't believe that she is old enough to be a 1st grader! But alas, she is. Being in 1st grade means a lot of new things: riding the bus to school, a full day of school, and eating lunch at school. Lorenne is so excited about all these things, but I have been really worried and somewhat depressed.
Last year we didn't know that there was a bus for Lorenne to ride to school so I drove her everyday. It was frustrating at times, but I enjoyed being able to talk on the drive home about her day. I offered to drive Lorenne to school on her first day and she turned me down. She wanted to ride the bus. So yesterday at 8:15 am we were standing at the bus stop waiting. When the bus pulled up Lorenne practically ran to get on. She found a seat next to her friend, Hunter. The doors closed and the bus drove off. I promptly burst into tears.
Watching my little girl be so grown up was so hard. In some ways I felt like I was being left behind. I have been home with Lorenne her whole life. We have been buddies. Now she is off to the big adventure of 1st grade and I will be at home missing her. Not to mention how much Michael is going to miss her. I will have my hands full keeping him entertained while Lorenne is at school.
We had SEP conference with Lorenne's teacher right after school. Mrs. Jeppesen did some assessments of Lorenne's reading skills. Lorenne did so well. I am amazed at what a good reader she is. Her goal for this year is to get better in math. I don't think she will have any problem with math. Once they really start working with it in class I'm sure she will just excel.
And who knew there was so much to worry about with packing a lunch. Did I pack a balanced lunch? Is there enough food? Is it going to stay cold?
I'm not sure I'm quite ready to be the mom of a 1st grader.