When Lyla was a few days old I turned to Mum and tearfully listed a few worries- why is she feeding every 20 minutes? How do I clip her nails without cutting off her fingers? And then came the one which highlighted all of my sudden sleep deprivation- “but how will I manage when she starts school? I’ll need to camp outside with binoculars”.
At that time, in a haze of new baby blues, all obstacles terrified me. Our tiny bundle so precious, I couldn’t imagine any future independence. The post-birth blur that surrounds you after welcoming a new addition can feel overwhelming, and it goes without saying some rational thought does go out the window.
Now after 4 years that once dreaded time has actually arrived. Next week Lyla starts full time school, moving up from her nursery class. All the clichés are true; it does seem like just a second since I envisaged my newborn at reception, but my goodness is she ready for her next chapter.
I feel excited, knowing how much my little girl will flourish. Concerned for the teacher because the ‘princess gang’ (as her group of friends call themselves) are a forced to be reckoned with. A tiny part relieved as it’ll be a lesser juggle for me. And, most importantly, I am wondering whether I can get away with a sneaky afternoon nap or two.