First Day of Kindergarten

I can hardly believe I'm even writing this post about my first born starting her first year of school! Yesterday was Taylor's first day of Kindergarten.  We found out just a few weeks ago that she got a spot in the nearby charter school that we were hoping for all summer.  My main draw to it was that they offer all day kindergarten, something my almost 6 year old really needed. Other perks happen to be the uniforms which I'm thoroughly loving! She was all registered at public school just in case and when she found out she was the only one in the neighborhood out of 4 starting Kindergarten that would have a different teacher I was glad to get that call from the Charter school. Her teacher is brand new, just out of college and teaching her first time ever. I was a little hesitant about this but she seems like she will be great and Taylor really likes her. One downside, at least right now, is that school starts at 8:15 which means this late morning household is having to adjust a little! She was so excited to pick out her outfit the first day, even more so than she is when it comes to regular clothes. I just love the preppy outfit and almost took a picture of her today again because I couldn't get over how cute it was! Her backpack was a little heavy and she had to lean against the house to hold herself up.

Curtis also had the chance to give her a Father's Blessing the night before and we talked about things she was nervous about and any questions she had. Curtis was able to go into work an hour later so he could go with me to drop her off. I wanted to be able to walk her to her class without hauling both boys in as well. She was so excited, but got a little hesitant once we walked in the school.  I gave her a mom pep talk and the minute she stepped in her classroom she was beaming! That's when it hit me. I was about to leave my first born, only daughter at school all day. When did she grow up so fast?! It was funny because the boy next to her had his mom taking pictures when all of a sudden he looked at her and said "are you crying?!" I had to chuckle a bit at that one, but felt the tears coming on myself and didn't want Taylor to see me get emotional! I gave her a quick hug, introduced her to her desk neighbor and off I went. I paused outside the door to steal one more look and lost it.  I'm so proud of her and how smart she is. I have no doubt that she'll thrive at school and make new friends. I'm proud of her being so brave going in knowing she really didn't know anyone like she would have at public school.  I hope that confidence and self-esteem lasts her a lifetime.

I could hardly wait until 3 o'clock when it was time to go get her.  Pick-up at school is a nightmare since every student has to be dropped off and picked up by car, no buses or walking. It was quite the line and traffic, but was so happy when I saw her that she was still smiling like when I left her.  She told me she stayed on her green card all day and showed me her stamp and that she ate all her lunch and both snacks! She was so excited to tell me about meeting the art teacher and that she will get to go to art class this week! It was a successful first day for both mom and daughter! She couldn't wait to go back today and was up and asking to get dressed before my alarm even went off this morning! I know there will be days ahead when she gets her feelings hurt or has a bad day, but I'm happy that we started off on a good note and that she's loving it.