The first day.

The first day of anything can be exciting -- mixed in with some anxiety and worry.

And that is just me and Dan, let alone the two year old about to embark on her newest adventure - preschool.

I thought I was going to be one of those Moms who kept their kids home until the state drug them away to kindergarten, that we would learn our letters while having activity centers complete with daily science lessons. Uh no, not happening. Then there is the added bonus of a two year old who is painfully shy at times while other times, insists she is a dog as she chases squirrels up the tree, all the while barking and panting like her big, hairy brother, Murphy.

We did not take the decision to put Riley into preschool lightly. I actually agonized over it for months questioning everyone but the mailman about what we should do. Dan and I finally came to the conclusion, It will be good for her, not to mention, a little break for me. Two days a week, for three hours seemed like the perfect compromise.

So bright and early this morning, after a belly full of french toast and hair done up in pig-tails, I drove my mom-van down the familiar road to Riley's first day of school. After getting Reese situated in the Baby Bjorn, we walked hand in hand through the doors. Actually, that's how I imagined it but Riley insisted on holding on to the straps of her backpack for some reason.

We entered the bustling room to find quite a few anxious Mommies and Daddies. Riley quietly held onto my pinkie and refused to hang up her backpack like the other kids. After I finally talked her into letting the backpack go and got her interested in the puzzles at the kiddie-size table, I decided to make a break for it. Like a band-aid, I reminded myself, just do it quickly.

After her teacher gave me a quick nod, I stooped down and quietly said, "Riley - Mommy and Reese and going to go now. You are going to have so much fun. I love you and we will see you soon."

"Don't go Mommy!"

Her tears began flowing. Her teacher quickly scooped her up. She has done this before.

I exited and found some friends waiting to console me. I held back tears but did not give the celebratory high-five that I had envisioned. Just a little sadness mixed with some panic. She's so little, I thought.

After a friend checked on her a few more times, I decided it was time to head home in case I got a "she's still crying come get your kid" call.

The call never came. Instead, I called. They assured me that Riley had cried for about ten minutes and then after they went outside to the playground, she had been fine since.

I watched the clock until it was time to pick my big girl up from school. I was armed with her favorite snack, mini muffins and her "Riley" cup.

After waiting in the car line, (I was the fifth car in line because I didn't want to seem over zealous) Riley was led to the car.

"I missed you Mommy," were the first words out of her mouth, complete with a huge smile.

"I missed you too baby. Did you have fun?"

"Yep, I had a fun day."

"Did you cry?"

"Nope."