Sad and happy

Does everything always happen at once?

Or maybe life moves so quickly that it just seems that way.

Two weeks ago I was in Washington DC photographing a wedding

when Gray called to tell me that she had lost her first tooth.

"Dad, I've been waiting for this moment for years and you're not even here to celebrate with me!"

I felt horrible. But then she said, "Oh well, I guess we'll just celebrate again, once you get back.

Two celebrations!"

Then last week we walked her up the steps and into the school,

down the hallway and into her kindergarten classroom.

Her first day of school, yet she walked into the classroom like she owned the place.

Obviously she wasn't nearly as nervous as I was.

And then yesterday, after a few months of mom and dad not making a big deal about it,

she casually asked if she should practice riding her bike without training wheels.

Boom! A few minutes of diligent work and she got it.

And then her first piano lesson...

What in the world is happening?

Tonight I sit at my computer looking through pictures from her first day of school

and it's left me sad and happy.

I'm sad that my little girl is growing up.

But I'm happy to see her blossom and stretch, learn and grow.

In the morning we'll wake up, get ready as quickly as possible,

eat breakfast, and then race out the door without a second thought.

But tonight, in this quiet place, with my girls asleep down the hall,

I'm giving it a second thought.

Not quite as enthusiastic as big sister.

You are special today!

This special occasion heirloom plate is available at the Paloma's Nest boutique at our studio.

Gray loves making cards for people.

But this time mommy made one for her.

She loved it!

Gray's excited that Sydney is in her class.

Sharing the card she made for her teacher.

One of the most poignant moments of the entire morning was when we got home

and Campbell went over and picked up Graycen's American Girl, Hadley.

She walked around the house for a few minutes mumbling something to Hadley

and then climbed up on the the sofa and started playing with her quietly.

Looks like she's getting ready to "teach class" to Rabbit and Hadley.

That's what her big sister does.

Seems like everyone's growing up.