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It's funny how the simplest things in life are often the things I find myself longing for. For example, during the years when I was trying desperately to have a baby, I kept dreaming about the day I would take my son or daughter to the playground, or for an ice-cream cone, or even to their first day of school. I kept wondering why these simple, everyday happenings were the ones that ran through my mind, time and again, and how elusive (and not all that simple) they seemed to be.

I admit that every now and then, I had a pity party (or two) over not being able to conceive, but more than that, I was truly dumbstruck that after all was said and done, my dreams centered around such classic, traditional, family moments. After years of a career-driven existence, this realization made me want to become a mother even more and only increased my sense of sadness and failure about not being able to make my dream a reality.

And so with this as the backdrop, imagine my excitement (a little over the top) this past week when I accompanied my son, Morgan, to a fun (and sticky) popsicle party at his pre-school, where we met his classmates and teachers for the first time.

Preparation for the big day began months ago, literally. I put Popsicle Day on my calendar, picked out an extra set of clothes (required) to leave at school (complete with tiny "Morgan Beck" labels"...I know, I've lost it), and added each scheduled pre-school day to my Outlook as a scheduled appointment.

I filled a storage baggie with any ointment or medication he might need (you can never be too safe) and of course, packed some delicious and healthy (and Mom-approved) Quaker Chewy Granola Bars as snacks. Toss in a bag of wipes and diapers and you get the picture. And pre-school had not even begun yet!

My husband and I, and Morgan's wonderful nannies, Loa and Jill (more like family) had been preparing him for weeks about this event and he awoke Thursday morning full of squeals and excitement. We had breakfast, got dressed, and then Morgan, Loa, and I, set off to his (our) first day of pre-school.

I worried that he wouldn't let go of my hand or want to play with the other children. He wasn't in the classroom for five minutes when he turned to me and said "Bye, Mommy" and with that, went to play with a pile of toy trains. So much for separation anxiety!

It was fun to meet the other moms and a relief to know that some of them also worked (I always feel like the outcast when I am questioned about this). The party lasted all of an hour and despite the fact that halfway through, Morgan would intermittently cling to me or Loa (ah, there it is) before racing to find a new activity, the event was a success and my son cannot wait to go back.

I'm sure it may sound like just a typcial day in the life of a typcial mom, but for me, it was a long-awaited dream come true.