The first bus ride home

Yes, a stereotypical mom moment.

Monday was Abby's first bus ride home. It just so happens that the family around the block sends their kids to the same school as Abby, and their daughter is in Abby's class. After six months of frantically trying to pick up both children at the same time but six blocks apart, I decided it was time to give in and let her ride the bus home. I don't know why it was such a big deal, she rode the bus in preschool and it was always fine. Of course, they picked her up and dropped her off at my front door. This bus stop is around the corner. She's going to have to walk a whole 100 yards to get home. And it is Hilltop, after all.

So there I was at 3:10 on Monday, pacing the block, wondering what time she would arrive. Had the bus gotten lost? Was there an accident? Did she miss it? Had I missed her? What would she do if I wasn't right there to walk her home? Have I taught her well enough how to protect herself? WHERE IS THE BUS????!!!!

At 3:25 the bus pulled up and my smiling, happy daughter traipsed down the stairs and walked nearly all the way home by herself while I was quizzing the driver on regular drop-off times and bus safety. It was like she had been doing it all along.

I'll chalk it up to another one of those moments that's harder for me than it is for her. She's growing up and there's nothing I can do about it but watch and wonder. And teach her how to be a strong, independent, smart young woman. It's happening right in front of my eyes. Where did my baby go?