off and big

Today, thousands of kids all across Haiti are off to school.

The streets are all plaids and ribbons and shiny new shoes, and frilly frilly socks.

And two of the thousands are ripping my heart out with their BIGNESS.

For the first time in five years, I am at work right now with ZERO little ones at home.

'Cause they've got stuff to do and places to go and people to see.

And sass to distribute.

I mean, how could they be ANY cuter!  

"Kiss time" turned into kiss time for all... 

ew.

Lily was so happy to be off, and Sofie, for all the hours we have pondered and prayed and fought off worry was as happy as she could be, and loudly announced at breakfast:

"I am not a tiny baby.  I am NOT a tiny kid.  Today, I am a big kid."

Upon arriving, they each cashed in their five gourdes coin for the snack of their choice for snack time later in the day.  Sofie's dreams of having a lollipop before 8 am finally came true.

We walked around and did the tour...

And when it was time to go, I told Sofie Mommy and Daddy had to go.

A flicker of concern fell over her sweet face, and if she'd started crying I knew it would do me in.  

"But I don't want you to take my lily-pop!" she said.

"Oh.  Right.  Ok, here it is, and your backpack.   Mommy LOVES you and..."

Nope.  She was off.  Lollipop, backpack, teacher, good day, big girl.

Lily gave me a sympathy kiss and was off in the other direction and, that's it.

My girls are growing up :(