Getting ready for K3

It doesn't seem possible that tomorrow my little girl is turning 3!  Where has the time gone?  The Early Intervention program we have been with is for babies ages 0-3.  This is a nationwide program--ours in the state of Georgia is called Babies Can't Wait.  Each state has their own name for their EI program and services vary from state to state.  At age 3, state services are continued through the local school system.  She doesn't have to go to school at this point, but she is going to need speech therapy for years and we want her to have social and educational opportunities so that she can continue to thrive.   We have been busy with transitioning her to the school system this past month.  Her IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting is tomorrow on her birthday.  The day after that, she can start school!  She is going to the same elementary school Blake went to and I am so excited for her, yet dreading it for me.  I am sure that we will be at the school  more with her than we were with Blake.  (Clarifying a point here--Blake was a great child in elementary school--he stayed out of trouble and made good grades, so we were only at the school for special events for the most part.  Working full time during school hours makes it hard to get away for lunches, etc.  Our schedules are a little different now.  I have a day off during the week and Kiley does too, thus making it easier to get to school.) 

Anyway, I am so nervous about her going to school.  She is so tiny compared to everyone else.  She is my baby!  We did her school testing a few weeks ago.  Do you know how you can be in a moment and you are just talking to yourself and praying for an outcome you want?  Well, that was me on school testing day.  I wanted Kaitlyn to show them some of the things she can do, but I felt like we were just seeing all the things she couldn't do.  I know school is different in their goals.  They are there to provide her with an education.  Her goals for school will be orientated to that.  We are seeing her pediatrician this week for her annual checkup.  I will be discussing whether we need a referral to see an Autism specialist or not for an evaluation. I know I am not supposed to compare her with anyone else, but it is the parent instinct in me that brings these thoughts about from time to time.  I know she is going to be no one else but herself, just the way she has been these last 3 years.  I just want to see her go in there with her peers and blossom.  I think that is what most people want for their kids and I am no exception.  Anyway, it is hard to believe that the time has come to let my little girl go off to school.  Praying that all will go well tomorrow at the IEP.  Will update our meeting and how it went later in the week.