Lauren is now an official Waukee Warrior as her 1st day of kindergarten started today! The morning was a little rough as I attempted to handle a stubborn almost 2 year old, a failed attempt of several photos a wanted to document this day, a new day care (for before care) for Lauren and Lauren's eagerness to learn was dampened by the late start for Kindergartners. She just wanted to get the show on the road. All of her fears subsided when she hopped on the day care van! She just wanted to see Miss Reed! Lauren, I am full of mixed emotions for you on this day. First of all, I have struggled with you the last 2 weeks as you have been testing your limits and misbehaving. My assumption is this behavior is due to your inability to express your excitement, fears and nerves for the upcoming changes (I hope so anyway). You have tested me beyond your and my limits. Yesterday, I was ready to send you to school. Well....today was a different day. My heart went out to you with your hesitation to your new daycare and having to enter several already established friendships! I know that you will make friends, for you are a such a sweet, yet funny girl that they will all love once they know who you are! As the day care teacher asked you to load into the van, you politely line up next to the door as the other children gathered in a rather rough and tumble way. I am so proud of your politeness and courage to load the van and enter into your new adventure. I see you again at the school and you have no fear amongst the over hundred Kindergartners, their paparazzi parents and your new teachers! You give Miss Reed a hug..you are so excited to see her (yes, you have only met her once) and start this new adventure. You politely stand in line, wave to me with a big smile on your face and walk into your new life! Tears well in my eyes for many reasons. My little girl is growing up before my eyes and at times I want to stop her, but on the other hand, I smile because I am so proud of you. I worry you won't get enough to eat for lunch or won't drink enough water during the day and get dehydrated! I worry you will get lost and not know where you are. I worry you won't be able to find a bathroom. I worry that you won't get on the right bus for home (although Miss Reed assures me that she will get her on the right bus). I worry for the future unfortunate catty life of being a girl. My biggest parenting struggle is trying to raise daughters that are kind to others, yet confidant enough to not let others opinions matter. I worry about the future pain and heartache you will experience. I want to protect you, but I also know these experiences will hopefully transform you into the beautiful, confident woman I know that you can be. Tears start to fall as I see glimpses of this woman in the form of as a strong, independent 5 year old marches into her new adventure called Kindergarten, without any tears or hand holding. As you march in...I leave to my car...thank goodness for sunglasses to hide the emotions of a Mother today....
Several attempts of photos as home before school, but neither girl would cooperate very well...
Walking up to the school...getting in Miss Reed's line.
So proud of you.
Off you go...
And you made it home!!!!
You had so much fun!!! You said "you never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever want to leave Kindergarten again". I followed with "You don't even want to come home?" "Yes, I'll want to come home, but as soon as I get up I want to go straight to Kindergarten". She said "I can't wait until we have a long day" (1st full day is on Friday) . I learned so much about your day (you have 2 Lily's and an Adam in your class, how you saw some of your friends at recess and lunch, how you had a practice lunch before you ate lunch, how you hoped the Miss Reed had time to separate the stars and books each student brought to class, that you didn't eat a very healthy lunch, you didn't have time for a nap, you will have more recesses starting on Friday) and I continue to be proud of you as you finished your first day successfully and you can't wait to go back and learn more. I love that you are eager to learn and don't cause any trouble! I love you Lauren!!!!
2 comments:
The closeup picture of her standing in line looks a lot like a 5 year old you, Melanie. I'm glad you BOTH made it through the first day!
That first day is so hard for MOM! Glad you made it through, as it sounds like Lauren was a star. Hope her great start to school continues for both of you.
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