Get ready for school.

Charlotte's favorite show, Bubble Guppies, just released a new episode last week: "Get Ready for School." The theme song from that episode has been stuck in my head all week, and I have to tell you, I am starting to get a bit nervous.

Charlotte starts preschool in two weeks. Her last therapy session with the three therapists who have worked with her since she was 15 months-old is on Wednesday. We both will be sad to say goodbye to the people who have helped Charlotte so much the past two years. We are in the midst of a big transition around here, and I think it is harder for me than for Charlotte. I have a feeling she is going to power through these changes like a rockstar, but I can't help but be anxious.

The past few weeks Charlotte has suddenly seemed more grown up. Less toddler-ish, more preschooler-ish. Her verbal skills are once again taking off, and 2, 3, even 4 word phrases are flowing. She counts everything, regularly points out letters and colors, and is developing a crazy sense of humor. She is ready for school. I know she is going to do great.

Each time she climbs in the car she tries to sit in her sister's seat....little does she know she is a long way from being THAT grown up ;-)! 

My fears stem from a few different sources. The first being, even though Charlotte's verbal skills have improved greatly in the past  6 months, she still is not nearly as verbal as Katherine and Will were during their first year of preschool. I will not be able to pick her up from school and get a play-by-play of her day. I will have frequent contact with her teachers and therapists, but it won't be the same as being there the entire time, as I have been the past three years. I know this will be good for both of us in the end, but it is still hard.

My other fear is the expectations of others. I have high expectations for my daughter. So does Mike, and her siblings, and our family and friends. We all KNOW what Charlotte is capable of. It is my hope that her new teachers and therapists will have the same expectations. I watched this summer as Charlotte slowly manipulated her swim instructor into letting her do whatever she liked, simply by saying "no, thank you" and giving her teacher a hug when she didn't want to do something. Charlotte can be very persuasive and is at times hard to tell no, but I have learned to be firm in order to help her succeed at a task. I hope others can look past her extra chromosome and stereotypes they may have and keep their expectations high; believe me, she is capable.

Before school starts, however, we have a few more weeks of summer fun. Some playdates, maybe another zoo trip, and some water fun. We also have a long weekend of fun up north with family, hanging out on the beach and boat.

Enjoy the last days of summer....