Two weeks to go. Growing up. Every step seemed so massive and important at the time.

First day at playgroup when I had to come back after about 30 minutes because she cried so much.

First day of school. Third day of school when she realised this was a long term affair and didn’t like it.

Learning to read. Biff Chip and sodding Kipper. Doing all the voices in the BFG.

First day at Rainbows. Last day at Rainbows a week later because there was too much screaming.

Learning to ride a bike (not sure she’s been on one since)

Being peeled off me for the first Razz summer school.

Grade 1 clarinet exam. Life skills.

Looking after millipedes.

Certificates for everything including turning up for stuff.

First night away from us.

Swimming badges (once she stopped sobbing)

Glasses.

Stupid maths tests for 11 year olds.

First bus trip on her own.

First day at secondary school.

Getting braces on. Getting braces off. Getting braces back on again. And finally off (it’s been a journey).

Contact Lenses.

Show after show after show.

GCSES.

College.

Parties.

Learning to drive (a bit more crying but overall pretty good 😉 )

Auditions.

Becoming an actual adult.

Love.

A level results.

And now this. Two weeks until she lives away from us for the first time. All this stuff seemed important. Was important. This next one? Oof. My heart.