Can you have a mid-life crisis at the age of almost 5?

It is Katie's last week of pre-school. Ever. Apparently, this has been driven home a few too many times today, and not knowing this, inadvertently pushed my child over the edge. I was looking at the things she had brought home from school today and asked her if it were her last day at school. She told me that it wasn't because they have school picnics for the next two days. But then she's done with pre-school and she "doesn't have to go back. Ever!"

I followed up with telling her "you know what that means... you go to kindergarten next fall!" She said "I don't want to go the big kids school!!... I don't want to be a big kid! (getting louder).. I want to be a little kid!!" At this point she is jumping up and down in complete desperation and big crocodile tears are running down her face. I felt so bad for her. But more so for me. I was planning on being the one not handling this well! Now all of a sudden I have to be strong for her because she's not handling it well? So not fair!

And yes, I did give her a big hug and tell her that she would always be my baby. I also told her that the big kids school had a class for little kids in it, not to worry, she wasn't going to be a big kid right away. She calmed down, but I still feel bad. She's got a rude awakening coming.

Who's the grown up here?

Katie has been having bad dreams about a rhino eating her. That might sound odd unless you've watched the movie James and the Giant Peach. Good movie, but does have a somewhat scary scene with this rhino. She's had this dream four or five times now over the course of a month. What's odd is that she saw the movie months and months ago and is just now starting to have the dreams.

This morning I told her that I thought we should draw a picture of a rhino tonight and then cut it up into little bits so it goes away forever. My "mature" daughter said, "No we should cut him out and play with him." "Ah, so when you see him in your dreams he'll want to play with you, huh?" She's a smart cookie.

More Pics

The down to earth, apple pie, ribbons & bows Katie:





The "I'm going to buy my mommy a summer house right after my first Oscar - which should be next year" Katie. Waiting for her next scene.