As I continue to anticipate the birth of my 2nd child this summer, I realize that my almost 2 year old will soon be heading off to school. (Ok, maybe not for another year, but it feels like it will be soon!) Until now, he has been a stay-at-home child, earning his education through story times, play groups and whatever mommy teaches him at home. And I have witnessed his educational growth with amazement. But lately, whenever he is interacting with others, whether children or adults, I see that he has also grown as a little person. He is more comfortable around others, more confident and more engaged in social situations. It makes me so proud to see my little guy coming out of his shell, but it also breaks my heart because it means he is getting ready for outside-the-home schooling, which means he is growing up. I'm not ready to send him off to school yet! I know that when the time comes, he will enjoy it and will continue to learn and grow. But does this mean he is going to stop needing me as much? I'm not ready for him to start rejecting my kisses in public. I'm not ready for him to start doing art projects all by himself. I'm not ready to drop him off and use my imagination to think about what he's doing or playing with all day.