Elementary School has begun...

9/8/11 was the start date.
 
We'd visited the school in the May. Met one kid - Olivia. Went for a bus ride. G picked out the room she wanted - based on the stamps. I picked out the one I wanted based on the teacher. We were assigned that teacher/room!!! wooohoo - thank you, Jesus!

We went a week before school for a meet the teacher night.

We went the day before for Kindergarten screening and paperwork.

I'm going to like this teacher - Mrs. Sherry. She's experienced. Literacy rich room. caring. engaging.

The challenge will come in 2 years when our family has THREE K students (and 1 2nd grader).

I had 5 days off before the first day of school - Labor Day weekend and then I took T, W and then Th off that week - for a total of 6 days off. BEST. DECISION. in a while.

Tuesday = Z's 4 year photo shoot (a little late); K & G had eye exams. Afternoon haircut for me.

Wednesday = G-day. Went to Jo-Ann's (and she wanted to look at fabric!!!), playdate at Lauren's house (G didn't really play with the other kids and later told me that she didn't think they liked her because 'they all had blonde hair - not brown hair like my hair.' - :( ). Then to K screening. To lunch at Mama's work. To the Art Gallery for an children's illustrator's show. She'd told me ahead of time that it would be BORING but then said that she really liked it! :) Home for an afternoon snuggle/nap. Rainy day but a great day! G reported that spending time together was the best part of her day! :)

Paupi over for dinner. Salmon, cod, rice, snap peas, broccoli, carrots, milk - brain food. YUM! G loves salmon.

Mama ran to get a new dress after G announced she wanted to wear a specific pair of shoes for the the first day - for which I had no matching clothes. Lands End to the rescue. One matching dress option. Purchased at full price -!?!?

Thursday morning.

Teary Mama.
Serious G.
She was up early and in my bed for snuggles.
Played - Yahtzee with brother...last "play" as a preschooler:

Bath.

Which reminded me of the first bath I ever gave her:

Hair.

Oatmeal and applesauce.

Released a blue star balloon on our way out of the driveway.

She insisted that she walk to the bus stop and I drive.

It rained (a little). She carried a purple umbrella.

We waited with 3 other parents, another K student and two "older" kids - Georgia, Jondall, Charlie and G.

As soon as one of the other Moms asked how I was doing, I LOST it (but tried to keep it together). G was very serious. Later, when looking at the photos, she told me - "I was so nervous right then...nervous I'd miss getting on the bus!"

I'd asked her to get on the bus and turn for a photo. Nope.

She got on. Didn't look back. Sat in the front seat with a girl from her preschool "Aleaha". I was thrilled that there was a familiar face.


Watch this - I think she was ready!



(right around the older boy - and his brother)

THRILLED.
I cried.

Jumped in the car. Drove to the school. Parked in a no parking spot to jump out and get a video of her getting off the bus. More photos. Noticed that the one girl we'd met in the spring was on her bus! :) Stayed until they went into the school. Went to the K parent reception in the library. Left when I couldn't hold the tears back. EVERYONE could read it on my face.

And around the corner and they were Kindergarteners. It's Official:


Drove. No place to "be". BAWLED.
Ended up downtown. Went to the new Reny's. Bought 27 greeting cards, 3 red bowls, a new red laundry bucket, a battery organizer and 3 Christmas ornaments.

Left. Went to get a pedicure.

Home. Kim was feeidng the kiddies lunch (pizza). I ate.
Played.
Photos.

Naps - or not.

Up.

Painted a fairy mermaid on G's wall.

Made chocolate chip cookies and 'set' the table for cookies and milk.

Worried I'd be late for the bus.

Picked G up on time - with 3 other excited kids.

Happy.
Learned about her day.

Most memorable info from G:

"They were ALL NEW today." - I guess I didn't realize that she wouldn't know that.

"A kid (O) said, Nany-Nany boo-boo today." :(

"A big boy on the bus who was sitting with Mave and me said 'I don't know your name but whatever it is, I hate you'."

Real life.
Matter of fact.

I sent too many snacks (4). She brought 2 home. Ate after cookies.  Was surprised that I wrote on her bag.  She thought I bought them that way.

Liked playing outside at school. Didn't know anyone's names. Didn't even remember Charlie being in her class (kid from the 'hood/bus stop).

Oh, and she reported that some kids weren't very smart because they put their blankets on them at nap time (which is MUCH SHORTER than her last school) and not on the floor - that can be dirty.

After day 1 she exclaimed: "I can't wait to go to school tomorrow!"


She did say her bus ride was sooo long coming home - nearly an hour!

Day 2 reports included: "Mom, Mrs. Sherry doesn't have the same rules as my old school. We got outside BEFORE afternoon snack."

She refused to leave any of her stuff at school either day (blanket or change of clothes) even though Mrs. Sherry explained that she locks the door every day.

She took her little Barbara Bush teddy bear with her both days (although she blamed K for sending it the 2nd day). She did forget her USA cheering shirt (that I let her wear on day 2- !?!?) at school and was worried until I told her that it would probably be there Monday.

She is TICKED that she can't go back for Saturday and Sunday. TICKED.