Coffee is made, I take a sip and start to get to work. I’m anxious, tired, and excited all at once. I grab the block of cheese and cut it in little slices to fit the crackers to put in her lunch. I add the apple sauce, yogurt, and a protein bar along with her water bottle. This will be enough for her first day. And I wonder, is this what other high school students eat? I don’t know.
I slice the bagel and put it in the toaster, take the sausage out and wrap a few links in a paper towel to warm in the microwave.
It’s time to get her up.
“Good morning, beautiful high school student!” I say with tears and she smiles with her big, bright blue eyes. No matter how tired my girl is, she always wakes with a glow. This light she gives off comes from such a warm and gracious spirit, one that naturally seeps from her pores. I thank God for this every morning. Lord knows I don’t have it, but when I see her I somehow glow, too. It’s contagious.
I tell her to get ready and come downstairs for breakfast and I will do her hair.
She comes down smiling, her face with just a hint of make-up– done perfectly. You can barely tell, but I can. She added just a bit of foundation to smooth out her skin and light mascara to bring out her eyes. She’s wearing the outfit picked last night, a cute hanging loose tied tank top and jean shorts. Nothing fancy, but these days whatever she wears takes my breath away, because she looks so much older. Somewhere in the last few months, she has transformed into a teen. She has grown into this beautiful, mature, young woman, and it startles me in a good way, an emotional way.
She’s grown up.
But she’s still my baby.
I hope you can capture all the feels in the rest of my piece over on HerViewFromHome and read more of my morning moments with my high school girl by clicking HERE.
Sigh…
I still can’t believe my girl is in High School. When will it settle in? I don’t know…
My daughter started seventh grade last week. It sure makes the passage of time more pronounced! Best of luck as you two navigate high school!
Oooh my son just started 6th- first year of middle school! Our kids- it’s just nuts how fast this is all going! Thanks so much for stopping by, Joey! 🙂 Good luck to your girl in 7th grade!
****She’s grown up.
But she’s still my baby*****
A L W A Y S
our
Babies!
xxxxxx
TRUTH. 🙂 I mean, just LOOK AT YOURS!!
This is such a big milestone, Chris. Your daughter sounds so confident and well adapted to the new environment of high school. I love how you described the morning of, which can normally be so stressful. Mom made it GOOD 🙂
Thanks so much Lisa!! There are few things I feel I do well in this motherhood gig, and our morning routines with my kids is one of them. 🙂 She’s still adjusting to this new high demanding academic life and big school, but I know she will be okay.
Time flies so quickly. You’re such a good mama to your amazing kids and your morning ritual sounds lovely! xox
It’s crazy that I now have a kid in HIGH SCHOOL. Nuts. Thanks for reading and your sweet response, my friend.
So beautiful and tear inducing, Chris! My son started high school this year as well, so I’m right there with you. And oh how I worry too! Letting go is tough but you’re doing a fantastic job Mama :). Your little girl is growing into a capable and wonderful young woman.
Thanks so much for the encouragement, my friend! My girl really is growing into this amazing young woman, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. I hope your son is doing well with high school this year too! It’s a whole new world, for sure.
Ahh.. HOW??? I hope Scarlet is just like this. Smiling with her eyes in the morning, always.
Can’t wait to read!
Our girls are utter sunshine, aren’t they? Man, are we lucky. 🙂
That fact that you walked her through the halls the night before? That is everything I need to know, Chris. SUCH a great mom. And yes, you are blessed that she wakes up with a smile. Both my son and my daughter need a little time to wake up before I get their smiles. It took me awhile to remember this and to this day we laugh about how I’d throw open their doors and say “Rise and Shine!” on those early morning swim practice days. They finally summoned the courage to tell me HOW VERY ANNOYING that was and would I please stop. Whoopsies.
Don’t you wish such a thing as a “hold button” existed? Our darlings grow up far too quickly don’t they? Sending you a jumbo hug.
First of all, thank you for your encouragement and sweet support, Kelly. You are so kind! And secondly, that is HILARIOUS. I’m impressed they didn’t yell, “ENOUGH OF THAT SUNSHINE IN THE MORNINGS MOM!” right away! It just shows how sweet and considerate your kids were when they could have been little monsters in the morning instead. 🙂 (My mom was like you, and my response was that example. LOL)