Our little girl is growing up.
Next fall she starts Kindergarden, and I must say that I'm quite excited about this new era of her life. The thought of a new school year, fresh with crisp paper, sharpened pencils, erasers, crayons -- it's all very exciting, really. But with all this new-ness comes a bit of hesitation and anxiety as well.
Who will protect my little girl when I'm not there? Who will comfort her when she's uncertain? Who will guide her and protect her and help her make good decisions? Those are just a few of the questions I have.
And yet at the same time, I have faith. I know that Hank and I have done our very best to prepare our little one for the challenges to come.
Our love for her and our faith in her will act like invisible wings to help her take flight and soar.
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Awww... how sweet! They grow up so fast don't they? I can hardly believe how old my girls have gotten. I guess that means I'm getting older too.
Love the illo. You are so talented, girlie!
Posted by: alexis | February 17, 2005 at 07:32 PM
nice ! yay for first flights !
Posted by: Cin | February 17, 2005 at 07:52 PM
Beautifully done... so sweet and so soft... perfect.
Elle
Posted by: Elle | February 17, 2005 at 08:24 PM
Oh Leslie!! I LOVE this illustration!!!
Posted by: thesoulofhope | February 17, 2005 at 08:28 PM
so lovely
i actually wish i could buy those for me!!
all these thoughts and dreams to show her when she is older too!
i think i am about to become addicted to your blog
checking out those sites now....
Posted by: beth | February 18, 2005 at 02:15 AM
so lovely
i actually wish i could buy those for me!!
all these thoughts and dreams to show her when she is older too!
i think i am about to become addicted to your blog
checking out those sites now....
Posted by: beth | February 18, 2005 at 02:16 AM
Very nice illustration, I love the colors and the textures.
Posted by: starky | February 18, 2005 at 02:16 AM
I love the idea of the box of wings. Nice illo!
Posted by: Karen | February 18, 2005 at 06:35 AM
wow, kindergarden! your little lady is growing up! the illustration is beautiful, thank you for sharing your sentiments with us!
Posted by: hannah | February 18, 2005 at 06:53 AM
Touching post and to go along with a lovely illo:)
Posted by: ani | February 18, 2005 at 07:10 AM
Oh, that is just an adorable illo!!
You 2 seem to be the greatest of parents....it will all be O.K.!!!! LOL & HUGS!
P.S....I light my Marblecake candle in my studio when I'm working! I love it! Thanks again!!
Posted by: jes | February 18, 2005 at 07:38 AM
Ah little Allie is growing up. I love your illo Leslie and I love how the wings come in the box. I'm going to dig for this great poem about letting your kids go and I'll mail it to you.
Posted by: Yvonne | February 18, 2005 at 07:48 AM
Great illo, Leslie...and story!
Posted by: Jess | February 18, 2005 at 08:28 AM
Awww... how sweet and touching. What a great attitude you have, I am sure your little girl will soar! Big big hugs!!!
Posted by: *jenny b | February 18, 2005 at 08:51 AM
what a lovely illo and concept! i don't even have kids and it made me a little misty!
Posted by: Kerry | February 18, 2005 at 09:00 AM
Oh Leslie, the illustration is just perfect. It was really brought to life with your story about Allison entering this really, really exciting adventure in the next chapter of the lives of little people. Awwww!
Posted by: Giao | February 18, 2005 at 09:34 AM
O Leslie this is so recognizable, but I'm sure as you are she will be OK and have lots of fun. It's so normal to be insecure about thinks like that, wouldn't be right if you weren't now would it...
Love the illustration also! So sweet... reminds me of the wings my daughter had when she was younger ;0)
Posted by: Marieke | February 18, 2005 at 09:34 AM
I love that last line- I feel that exact way about my parents. I could have done anything without that support behind me.
My mom has told me several time about my first day in kindergarden. She brought me to the school and I ran off right away to play with the other kids. She said she cried in the parking lot for an hour. It always makes me feel so sad for her but I guess it is natural. Kids spread their wings... it shows you are doing your job right.
XO
Posted by: frecklegirl | February 18, 2005 at 09:45 AM
That's so brilliant! I'd like a pair of invisible wings too...
Posted by: Kathleen | February 18, 2005 at 10:25 AM
Leslie,
Hi! Thanks for visiting my site. I've heard so much about you from Jes, Giao, Hope, etc.. I love this illo. The wings in a box are precious!
Posted by: Dawn | February 18, 2005 at 11:29 AM
Your illo is very sweet! It's a scary and exciting time both at once, but you will all be just fine! Just think of the fun you'll have shopping for school supplies! Sorry, can't help it - I absolutely love school supplies - was buying them for myself even when I was done with school ;-)
Posted by: Melissa | February 18, 2005 at 12:34 PM
Very sweet illustrations! I love the colors and textures. I also laughed at you previous 'boiling points' post, so funny :)
Posted by: Elisa | February 18, 2005 at 12:40 PM
oh this reminds me of SNL toy manufacturing bit..
Posted by: rebeccashane | February 18, 2005 at 01:49 PM
Great illustration and beautiful post. Baby #3 sure is lucky to be joining your wonderful family.
Posted by: Marilyn | February 18, 2005 at 02:26 PM
Leslie: this is so cute...you have really captured it...
Posted by: violetismycolor | February 18, 2005 at 09:33 PM
so so sweet. your daughter will be great. this illustration is beautiful. :)
Posted by: erika | February 19, 2005 at 01:32 PM
so so sweet. your daughter will be great. this illustration is beautiful. :)
Posted by: erika | February 19, 2005 at 01:32 PM
Leslie:
Without question, this is my favorite of your illustrations. I know I've said that before, but you just seem to be getting better and better. It's amazing how you've captured Alison's likeness and personality. How do you do that?
Hank.
Posted by: Hank | February 22, 2005 at 05:09 PM
Wow! This is so very pretty!
Posted by: Lisa-Marie | February 23, 2005 at 01:12 PM
My little girl just turned 1 and I can't even imagine sending her off to school yet. What a heart warming post and illustration. I love it!
Posted by: Rachel | March 02, 2005 at 04:47 PM