Back to School

We’re two weeks into the school year and everything is going wonderful.  The older girls had an easier transition this year returning to the same schools as last year.  Friendships and lunch tables are already set which is really all you need to survive in middle and high school.  The academics are nothing compared to navigating the lunch room. 

Adrienne has a heavy class load this year.  All honors and AP classes.  I’m so proud of all she juggles and manages to keep straight A’s and excel in dance. 

 

Lexi was so excited after her first day.  She loves all her teachers!  She has a nice mix of classes with friends, and classes without friends.  I like that because it gives her the comfort of staying connected with her group, while still forcing her to branch out and meet new friends.

 

The big girls slid back into school life with little fanfare.  Sof, on the other hand, embarked on a whole new journey.  My baby went to kindergarten(sob).  Before the first day we went to Popsicles with the Principal.

How sweet to have a friend to show up with(for her and me).

Sof is not shy.  She oozes confidence.  She was happy to introduce herself to Mrs. Carlin and get a hug.  Allie likes a little more time to assess the situation.  I love her quiet tepidness, that goes away when she’s comfortable.  So different from Sof, but yet they compliment each other.

It was all of our first glance at the amazing garden they have on the playground.  Being a non-gardener, I’m so excited for Sof to have this experience!

Sof was crazy that night trying all the new playground equipment.  If she wasn’t excited before, this sealed the deal.

I spent weeks planning her first day outfit.  It had to be adorable, either school themed or primary colors, and have matching shoes and bow.  I take this very seriously. 

The night before we made a visit to the pool to enjoy the last of the summer nights.  At some point Sof turned and looked at me, and I noticed her eye was swollen.  She didn’t notice it, so I assume it was some sort of bug that bit her.  All I could think was how that was going to ruin my first day pictures!!

Lexi woke her up to eat breakfast together before she got on the bus. 

Then it was time to get dressed.  I watched my sweet baby brush her teeth, still seeming so little.

Then we got dressed and headed out to the bus.  I cried, and Sof looked at me like I was crazy.  She’s all like get a grip woman.

But it’s my last first day of Kindergarten.  I stood at the bus stop jealous of the mama’s with little ones who get to do this again.

We called all the kids to pose for a picture.  There was a quick moment of nerves, not really knowing what to expect.

 

Before we knew it the bus was coming down the street.  Sof turned and followed the the others on.  No kiss or hug, just a bye!

I cried all the way home and in my car on the way to her school.  Yes, I met her at her school for an open house.  By the time I got there I was done mourning the end of my parenting a preschooler era, and ready to fully immerse in the parenting an elementary schooler again.

 

My emotion really stems from having the experience of seeing first hand how all too quickly these school years pass.  I love having older kids.  They help out, don’t require so much constant care, they’re actually cool to hang out with, and I see every day the emergence of the awesome adults they’re going to be.  But…it goes so fast.  0-5 seems to last an eternity in parenting years.  It’s just so hard and demanding and you just wish they’d do something, ANYTHING, on their own.  But when that’s over, it all seems to roll downhill at light speed.  I am thrilled Sof is going to Kindergarten.  It will be awesome, amazing, and so much fun!  She is so ready!  I just want to savor it…

 

When it was time for parents to leave, I was ready.  She needs to make her own mark independently from me in her new world. 

She has always liked Mrs. Winters as one of mommy’s friends, but now she thinks she walks on water.  Whatever Mrs. Winters says is gospel.  She has not had one moment of hesitation going to school.  She is ready and beaming everyday she gets on the bus.

 

I love this new world we’ve entered.  Kids running and playing waiting for the bus.  Mama’s sipping coffee and comparing morning war stories.  Total chaos for about 10 minutes, then that nothing short of Godly yellow rectangle comes down the street and takes it all away.  All of the sudden mamas can have real conversations uninterrupted, then retreat to their house to turn on anything besides Nickelodeon.

 

My work schedule requires two days of primetime care, which in true Sof fashion went smoothly.  She loves having some time to play at school and I already knew both of the directors!

The back to school picnic reinforced that we are all in the right place.  We belong in this new setting.  It is new and exciting, yet familiar and comfortable.  Sof bounced from friend to friend all night, and there was no shortage of mamas for me to get to know. 

My little caterpillar has become such a beautiful, confident butterfly.