Another first....31/31

So today was the big day…the big first day of kindergarten. It wasn’t easy…it was really hard. I was very excited for her and she was very nervous…and excited. She was up bright and early this morning, which made for a long morning before school started. She was so nervous…almost terrified…and I was sad…really sad. I kept my sadness back for her and built up the excitement, curiosity about the day, and the adventure that was ahead…I think it helped. We made felt hearts to take with us during the day, a kiss on each heart and we exchanged them…she thought that was really great and kept my heart in her sock (serious cuteness). I only have a few cute pictures to share… honestly in most of the shots she has a look of terror…poor girl.

I stayed out of the house most of the day…wandering aimlessly through stores. For the last 2 hours before I picked her up, I pretty much just stared at the clock and distracted myself unsuccessfully. When it was time to go I rushed to the car, and to the school with eager anticipation….to see her and learn about her day. She was eager too…eager to stay longer and wondering why she wasn’t in the extended day program. Of course this pinched for a second, but then I was proud that she was so excited about school…that she felt secure…that her fears and worries had disappeared.

She is happily home now…tired and energized by her day. She is looking forward to returning to school tomorrow…and honestly I am looking forward to her returning too. I am looking forward to watching her blossom over this next year. As much as I am sad that she is growing so quickly…as much as I feel myself (at times) wishing she was still small…nothing is more amazing than watching her grow. This is going to be a big year for her…a big year of growth and a year of change…a year of change for all of us. It is going to be exciting.

The first day is always so hard, and we always celebrate the firsts, maybe because it makes the bitter sweet seem a little sweeter. Like ripping off a band-aid, the first day has come and gone…she has recovered from the initial shock…but Mama can still feel the sting from the separation.

Checking out the school before we go in....