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16 Days

16 days.  That's all I have.  16 days until my baby girl goes back to school.  Last summer I was ready for school.  I was excited to enter a year of structure and routine.  After Christmas break I was ready.  You may remember that from here.  As of today, I am not ready.  I'm anxious.  This hasn't happened since the first day of Kindergarten. 

This summer has gone entirely too fast.  We haven't gotten all of the things done that we planned.  The list that we made at the beginning of the summer is still full of activities we have yet to cross off.  Our time is running out and the calender is filling up.  I want to freeze time and clear our schedule.  I want to drink in every precious second with my little girl.  A little girl who has blossomed over the last year. 

Maybe that is the core reason I am so sad to let her go.  Paige has changed.  She is talking.  To people.  Without being forced.  If you know her, you understand.  Last week at the arcade, her game didn't give out tickets and she informed the employee.  By herself.  I had to pick my chin up off the floor.  Today, she ordered her own breakfast at Bob Evan's.  She looked the waitress in the eye, pointed to her menu, and explained that she would like the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of baked potato.  No bacon. 

She is helping, cleaning, communicating her needs/wants and compromising when things aren't exactly as she had planned.  The out of control, kicking, screaming fits have been replaced with a little sarcastic attitude, but we are working on that.  She's not perfect, just seven.  And I don't want to miss a second of seven.

So, if you ask to plan a play date or call me to have coffee, don't be surprised if I push you off until after the 16th.  My time is running short and I want to use up every minute.  Next year I may feel differently.  Hey, next week I may feel differently. For now, I'm going to enjoy my baby girl. 

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