Dear Preschool Teachers,

I remembered pajama day! Aren’t you proud?

I sure was, especially after learning it was a “hip hip hooray” day meaning the whole class was there! In their pajamas! Though I alone can’t take credit. After missing yellow day my husband started writing these dates on the calendar. I think it’s helping, at least with the big stuff.

In fact we were so excited for pajama day my daughter and I selected the perfect pjs the night before. She told me which she wanted and I found them, washed them, and laid them out for her on a chair. They were pink with white cats, the appropriate size, and still fairly new. I couldn’t wait for her to wear them.

But of course by morning, my daughter didn’t want to wear cats, but her Paw Patrols. Which were old and stained and two sizes too small. But she was insistent. So I did my best with the Tide stick. Put on her cozy high boots to hide her ankles. And hoped the shirt could pass for three quarter sleeves.

Sure, they weren’t the cleanest pjs. Or best fitting. And certainly not as warm as those cozy cats. But she picked them herself, right down to her mismatched, pink heart and gray striped socks. So I am calling today a win. And thanking you for greeting her with your warm smiles and telling her you loved her pjs. For seeing not her stains, but her excitement at coming to school in an outfit she picked. For letting her get up and talk about the special stuffed animal she brought along. For making today a true “hip hip hooray” day.

Because after school my daughter told me it was her favorite day yet. Hours later and she was still in those pjs, despite having added a few extra stains on her pants. Which was just fine, given it was almost time to retire them. Chances are I’ll be buying more Paw Patrol pjs soon, adding these to the donation pile while she sleeps.

Maybe you’ll see the new ones on the next pajama day. But most likely you’ll see the cozy cats. Just as soon as they’re old and stained and small. And well-loved. Just the way she likes them.