Fifth grader

Ely told me tonight that tomorrow she will be the only one taking a 'first-day-of-school' picture.
She will be the only one in the picture.

My baby, now 10, will start 5th grade tomorrow.

She will now begin to navigate herself without any siblings in the house everyday. She will be like an only child most days of the week.

She will come home.
She will do her homework.
She will go to sleep.
Alone.
With Ari and I, of course.
But no other noise in the house.

But 5th grade?
It happened so fast.
And now here we are.
Getting ready for 5th grade.

I am blessed.
And sad.
And nostalgic.
And excited.
And lonely.
And happy.
And thankful.

Good luck Ely! Abba and I are so proud of you!