First Day

So it happened.  That day I dreaded for many years came and went, and despite thinking I wouldn't make it, I survived.    Kaelan's first day of school was August 16th.   We counted down the days starting way back in June.   She has longed for this day, and I loathed the thought of it arriving.   Kaelan actually tested out of Kindergarten (she tested out of 1st as well!), but after much discussion, fret, nightmares and a case study from UT that settled the dilemma once and for all, we decided to place her in a Kindergarten class at a private Christian school.  The idea of her driving a year earlier, graduating a year earlier and oh Lord, here is the big one.....DATING a year earlier made our tummy's roll, so Doug and I decided to find a school that would meet her academic needs and yet allow her to be among a peer group that matched her maturity level. 

We think we have found it.  

We hope we have found it.  

This kid is just such a learning sponge.   I worry we will never meet her academic needs, but we will keep her busy with doing our taxes or tracking our stocks or something like that. 

As a former Kinder teacher, I know how parents can have a really hard time with that first day.  I have always sworn I would not be that hovering parent on my kid's first day.  I know how difficult it makes the whole process, and as a teacher it can be a real pain.  This all sounds great in theory. 

Now, I am on the parent side of the coin. 

Kaelan tears off the last link in the school countdown chain.

 Mandatory front porch first day picture.

Leaving the parents seemed pretty easy.  It was leaving Seth that was tough  on her.  My first cry moment was when she leaned down close to his ear and whispered, "It is just 7 1/2 hours little buddy.  I will be home to you soon and we will play, play, play.   You be good for mommy.  She is really sad today.  I love you, Bubba."

Sob.  Sob.  Sob. 

Waiting for the welcome bell.

Hanging up the backpack.....did you really need this caption.  Probably not.

Smart teacher had playdough and a mat down for the busy work.  This was a great way to get kids settled.  I think I may have used this back in the day when I taught Kindergarten.   I thought I had invented this idea......maybe I should charge her teacher  a copyright fee.

So, as you read, my first cry moment was when Kaelan had her little chat with Seth.   I turned away, and only Doug caught that one.   He thought it was hilarious how I was falling apart.  I told him the night before that I was ready and I was going to do fine, but it just did not work for me. 

My second breakdown happened after she took her seat and starting working.  I did NOT want to be a lingering parent, so insisted that since she was settled, it was time for Doug and I to  make our way to the Tears and Cheers breakfast for Kinder parents.   The night before, we had all read "The Kissing Hand" in preparation of this big day.  I had traced my hand and placed a heart sticker in the middle of it and then placed it in her lunch. (You will have to read the book to get it).   Anyhow, just as we turned to leave, Kaelan called me over and pulled me down so we were mouth to ear.   "I love you, mama.  You will be fine today.  Here is something for you until I get home."   She opened my hand up and kissed my palm, then curled my fingers around it for safe keeping.  

I booked it out the door past my giggling husband, just trying to hold in the explosive sob that was about erupt.  

 And so, there I was.....the hovering mom in the hallway with sad, wet eyes and a runny nose peering through the window at my baby.