It Was Bound to Happen

It's true people. Don't be a naysayer. Listen to those around you. Your kids grow up WAY too fast.
The girlies started Kindergarten a few weeks ago. As most of you reading this know, I have been dreading this day for a while now. I have heard some of the moms talk about how excited they were to have their kids in school. So I kept wondering why I was seemingly the only one who was struggling. I came to the conclusion that it is because they are twins.
One of the "cons" of having twins is that they generally reach the big milestones in life at the same time. That means when they go to school, I don't have any more "babies." Conversely, it also means that diapers, teething, and potty training are also done at the same time. Color me lucky.
So the big day came and we were prepared. I had spent the better part of Sunday night ironing clothes and putting outfits together so they could experience some autonomy by picking out what they wanted to wear everyday. And, because I can't relinquish all of the control yet, I could still make sure they matched. Backpacks were out and loaded. I had gotten up early to get ready so as not to embarrass Madelyn when I walked her and Maryn into their first day of class. I had convinced myself, erroneously, that the morning would go off without a hitch.
After Dan and I woke the girls and gave them a few minutes to adjust, I broke the news to them that I wanted to curl their hair so it could look "extra special" for the momentous occasion. I got the normal contention from Maryn but after some manipulation, she conceded. However, this was apparently THE day that Madelyn wanted to see where her boundaries were.
Now I love my little Maddie more than life itself, and I am sure her independent spirit is going to serve her well someday, but DAMN that girl is spunky.
Let me tell you, she argued and moaned and whined and argued and folded arms and stomped feet and, did I mention, argued? And, although I didn't throw the same tantrum, apparently I was determined to stand my ground as well. As a sidenote, I have been asked by nearly everyone I have told this story to why I insisted to fight that battle. And I wish I had a really good answer. Let's just say, I guess we know where Madelyn gets it from.
So after much ado about nothing (in retrospect) we left for school and arrived - what a way to make a first impression-late. And perhaps it was a blessing in disguise because I was SO mad at them for fighting with me that I was actually really happy they were going to school!
But I can say that things have gotten better. We have all relented a bit and have gotten used to the schedule. And I do miss them when they are gone. This house gets pretty quiet without them.
I have always believed that a parents job is to prepare their children to eventually not need them. And, although their independence is hard to take sometimes, I am proud of who they are and I feel blessed to have had the past five years to be their mommy.
I wonder if they would like homeschooling?

P.S. Pictures to follow in the a.m.