Tuesday, August 18, 2009

August 18th, 2009


Today was my baby girl's first day of Kindergarten. Ok, so technically she isn't a baby anymore. She is a big girl. A smart, beautiful, funny, kind, silly, polite big girl.
She was so excited. It didn't take much to get her out of bed this morning. She even woke up with a smile on her face. I think she was a little nervous even though she told me she wasn't at all. In the car, on the way she told me her tummy felt a little bad but not to worry because it would feel better soon. I laughed and told her I knew just how she felt!
I parked the car and before I could even get all her supplies and things together she was out of the car waiting on the grass. Then we walked together up the sidewalk and into the building she will get to know very well over this next school year. The first tears I felt in my eyes came when we were standing in the hall waiting for her Kindergarten door to open and her first day to start. The 8:50 bell rang and she looked up at me with her eyes wide, "What was that for?" I told her that meant that school was getting ready to start. She smiled at me and turned around just as her teacher opened to door to greet her. I held the tears in and walked my first born into her classroom.
She put her lunch in the basket, gave her backpack and supplies to her teacher, and was directed to choose a spot and play with some play-doh. She didn't hesitate. Off she went, picking a seat with pink play-doh in front of it (of course). I went with her to get her settled and give her one last hug and kiss. She held out the tub of play-doh and asked me sweetly if I would open it for her. Time to hold in the second round of tears. She has relied on me for everything for these last five and half years and I knew that after I opened that tub my job would be over....at least until 4:05!!
We gave each other big hugs and kisses and I told her how excited I was for her and how proud I am of her and then I left. I looked back as I went out the door and she was busy playing and already having fun in her new classroom. As I walked down the hall I felt good. Natalie is in her element. She is outgoing and eager to learn. School is exactly what she needs. She didn't cry as I left or tell me not to go. She jumped right in and that makes me happy in a way I didn't know was possible.
All day I have found myself wondering what she is doing. How lunch went. If she make it to the bathroom when she needed to. If she has made any new friends. If she loves it as much as I think she is going to. I will admit that on the way home I let a few tears escpae my eyes. I can't wait to pick her up and hear all about her day. And tonight I will be stealing extra hugs and snuggles, knowing that no matter where she spends her days she is always at home with me. She is always my baby girl.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's so wonderful to be able to pull up this blog and see pics of my grandkids - and a story to go with them. So much more satisfying than FB to me. Anyway, I just want to say that reading about Nat's first day brought tears to her Nana's eyes, also, and I can't wait to hear her stories. Love you!!

Anonymous said...

Aww that's exciting =). It wasn't very eventful when Ryan started school since he had been in daycare/preschool pretty much since he was 6 weeks old. I can't wait to hear how her 1st day went =)
Brie

Sarah said...

She is such a big girl! and you are so cute to worry like that...Good mom. ;)

Anonymous said...

It is good to read a blog from you again. I agree with your mom. It did bring a tear to my eye, you are a very good writer, it made me feel like I was her mom dropping her off. Lacey is going thru that today, I'll be worried all day until I hear how it went. You have beautiful girls! Janet

Anonymous said...

A new chapter - full of possibilities. She's the trail blazer! It is such a sweet time. Seeing Natalie in that picture is like looking back a couple of decades.
Thanks for sharing the journey and for the memories. Love, Bobbi