Preschool daze

You always here that old phrase "They grow up before your eyes", but I don't think I've ever really understood it, until now. Lil-lil is off to her orientation day at preschool this morning. I really can't believe it. She was just a baby about five minutes ago.

Do you know that feeling when you look at your child and they suddenly seem older, more grown up? It's like they've transformed before your eyes and you haven't really noticed – until that moment. I seem to be having many of those moments lately. The girls are just so grown up. There's not a trace of baby left in them.

They chat, play and fight with each other. They concoct the most intricate imaginary games, playing different roles in complicated situations. They rarely need me to entertain them anymore, except to break up a fight or witness a star 'look-at-me' moment'.

They are also coming out the damnedest things. Lil-lil was tired and emotional last week, and burst into tears over something fairly insignificant. When I asked why she was upset, she replied: "Something changed inside of me at Hippo [playgroup] today". Okaaaaaaay. I think she's truly ready for preschool.

I can't believe our journey of being at home and being baby/toddler and parent is coming to an end. I was explaining to Lil-lil that when she went to preschool she'd have to go by herself, that mum wouldn't be there, but she'd meet lots of friends and have a lovely teacher. She got upset and said: "But Mum, I can't go by myself, I don't know how to get there."

I assured her that I'd drop her off and pick her up and that was a-ok. I suspect she's going to better at this preschool stuff than me!