kindergarten

(long time, no write) mom with a blog

~ Mia Carella, Writer ~ 4 Comments
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Me and my girl on Kindergarten orientation day!

It has been a while since I have posted on here, and for that I apologize. If you know me or have read my most recent published articles, you know that September was kind of a big deal for me and my family.

My oldest child started kindergarten on September 1st, after months of planning and prepping and IEP-ing with the school district. This was not an easy day for mama. As I watched that bus pull away I was so proud, yet I felt so vulnerable. My “heart” rode off with an anxious smile on her face, ready to embark on a new adventure.

She had a great day and has had 41 more great days since then. Together, we have adjusted into a new routine. Although there is always work to be done as a special needs parent, things are going very well.

Less than a week after my “baby” girl started kindergarten, my actual baby boy turned one. How did this happen? It has been a whole year since I labored my little man into the world on Labor Day 2015?!? Time really does fly. It is truly hard to believe. It is so rewarding, but a little sad, to watch him get so big so quickly. Even though he is on the verge of toddler-hood, I will keep him as my baby as long as I can.

Now, you can probably see why I have been little distracted and a lot emotionally exhausted over the past few months. As we have settled into our new normal, I have started submitting more articles for publication and hope to post here more regularly.

I would love to hear from you in the comments! Knowing someone is actually reading this will be great motivation for me to keep on writing.

See you all again soon!

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Not a big fan of the singing…
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but thoroughly enjoyed the cupcake!

(kindergarten) mom with a blog

~ Mia Carella, Writer ~ 1 Comment

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In just a matter of days, my baby is going to become a kindergarten student. I cannot believe where the time has gone. I am still in a little bit of denial, as we still need to complete school supply and school clothes shopping. Maybe if I stick my fingers in my ears and say “la la la” loud enough, I won’t have to accept this inevitable truth.

Today on Parent.co I have shared a letter to my daughter about my thoughts and feelings on this huge milestone (for both of us). I hope you enjoy it. ♥

“To My Baby Girl, As She Begins Kindergarten”

Dear Daughter,

It’s hard for me to believe, but in a few short weeks you’ll be starting kindergarten. You’ll be packing up your little Pottery Barn Kids back pack and climbing the stairs onto the yellow school bus that will take you to your next big adventure.

I will not let you see it, but I am having a hard time. Mixed with the happiness I feel for you are pangs of sadness and nostalgia for times past.

You see, daughter, you are my baby. I know, I know. Baby brother is here now to take that title, and yes, you are a big girl. But, to me, you will always be a baby. My baby.

You are my first born. Many sleep deprived nights of new motherhood were spent rocking you. The first panicked call I made to the pediatrician was about you. My first time planning a preschool play date was with your best buddy. All your firsts are my firsts as a mommy.

Now, as we prepare for the big day, I am also thinking about all the new firsts to come…

To read the rest of my letter, please visit Parent.co here.

 

 

(special needs) mom with a blog

~ Mia Carella, Writer ~ 3 Comments

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As you probably already know from reading this blog, our daughter will be going to kindergarten in the fall. The past few months have been spent going through the process of registering her and working with the school to find her the appropriate services and placement. It is a very intense and draining process.

After one particularly emotional day, I sat down and wrote an essay about what I was feeling. I wanted the world to know what an amazing and capable and special little girl my daughter truly is. Children cannot be defined by labels and diagnoses alone. There is so much more to them.

My piece was published on Scary Mommy this past weekend. I am really proud of this one. You can read it here.

(scary) mom with a blog

~ Mia Carella, Writer ~ Leave a comment
Scary Mommy

 

I am officially a “Scary Mommy”! (My daughter may argue that I have been one for a while. Lol). I am so proud. My article, “A Letter To My Child’s Future Kindergarten Teacher”, published on their site today. What an honor.

This was a very emotional piece to write. My daughter is headed off to Kindergarten this fall. As all moms (and dads) know, this is a big deal! This letter describes the mix of feelings I am experiencing. I hope you enjoy it.