Minis and Milestones: First Grade Drop-Off Got Me in My Feelings
Walking to school in our little Georgia neighborhood just outside of Atlanta — where sweet tea flows, the fireflies light our evenings, and first-grade milestones hit like a freight train.
Y’all. I was not prepared!
I mean, I thought I was. I had the outfit steamed, the lunch packed, the little note snuck into her lunchbox (complete with hearts and stickers, of course). Nugget had even been brushed so he could participate in our annual “First Day Photo Chaos.” But nothing — nothing — could’ve prepared my mama heart for what happened this morning.
Our sweet neighborhood tradition kicked off the day — all the kiddos gathered at the top of the cul-de-sac, backpacks bouncing, brand-new shoes squeaking, and parents with coffee cups and teary smiles trailing behind. We were like a parade of emotions… and glitter gel pens. Even Nugget joined in, wagging his tail like he knew this was a big deal.
Jessica, my big first grader (excuse me while I sob into a monogrammed tissue), walked ahead with that confident little bounce in her step. Hair bow perfectly placed. Cool as a cucumber in her light-up sneakers. I mean, she owned that sidewalk like it was a runway.
When we got to the school, I knelt down to give her a hug. She squeezed me tight, smiled, and said, “I love you, Mama.” Then — boom — just like that, she turned and walked right through those double doors. No hesitation. No looking back. No dramatic clinging like last year. Just my big girl, heading off into first grade like she was made for it.
I blinked. Stood there a second too long. Nugget sat by my feet, clearly waiting for the “we’re done here” signal. And suddenly it hit me — one day, she’ll be too cool for this neighborhood walk. Too busy. Too grown.
Cue: Me, running errands afterward and crying in the car like I was watching This is Us - you know which episode I’m talking about!
So yes — I pulled into the Chick-fil-A drive-thru, ordered myself some minis and a frosted coffee, and had myself a moment: celebrated her bravery, grieved a little piece of her babyhood, and sent her all the love and good vibes from a parking spot outside Target.
Back-to-school is always a rollercoaster, isn’t it? But today, I rode it with my heart full and my chicken minis in hand.
Here’s to all the mamas crying in the car and celebrating with carbs. You’re doing great, sweetie.
#BackToSchoolFeels #FirstGradeMagic #MomLife #ChickFilAAndTears #GrowingUpTooFast #GeorgiaMamas #NeighborhoodTraditions #SentimentalSouthernMama
