I'm a bit of a wreck at the moment.

Don't be alarmed if you spot me with tear stains down my cheeks and the tell-tale mascara smudged along the bags under my red, bloodshot eyes.

Daisy is off to school and I am finding it hard to cope with the fact that we are moving into the next stage of life.

I need to get a grip though, I'm becoming a bit of a wet blanket about it all.

A lump will rise in my throat, my voice turning into a squeak which unsettles neighbourhood dogs whenever I try to talk about Daisy leaving her lovely little pre-school and entering the daunting primary school phase.

I'm becoming the mum I would roll my eyes at when Jacob, my first, went to school - those halcyon days when I was already pregnant with Daisy and I didn't realise how much a child changes once they start school.

But now I am experiencing what I suppose is the onset of early empty nest syndrome.

No more babies, no more toddlers or preschoolers - I'm not crying it has just rained on my face a bit *sob*.

Retail therapy, I assumed, would help.

Browsing the rows of pretty pleated school pinafores and summer dresses for Daisy's new uniform my ears picked up on the rousing country and western song being played.

As Dolly Parton began to reach the climactic chorus it all became a bit too much.

"So TRY to be the first one up the mountain" I could feel the lump in my throat rise.

"TRY to be the first to touch the sky."

Why here? Why now? The first tear threatened to appear.

"And TRY to be the one who makes a difference.

"And TRY to quit your fear and oversight."

Deep breaths, hold it together, these are just harmless summer dresses - actually move away from the dresses. Abort! Abort!

"And TRY to make the most of every moment

"'Cause if you never try you'll never win

"So TRY each day to try a little harder

"And if you fall, get up and try again."

That did it.

No matter how quickly I wiped away a tear another quickly took its place like a pathetic relay race of emotion.

I must have looked mad.

A grown woman, having a mini breakdown in the children's sandals aisle in M&S.

Hopefully people thought I just appreciated the craftsmanship of a soft leather summer shoe.

Maybe I should take a tip from Dolly and try not to cry so much, try to remember there is a whole heap of exciting firsts to come and try to take a pack of tissues with me next time I'm shopping.