The Day I Thought Would Never Come

I still can't believe that my little girl has gone to kindergarden.

The day of kindergarden brought much excitement at our house. Madeleine was up by 6am -- without us waking her up -- running around as excited as Christmas morning! She had what's become her standard breakfast of pancakes and dashed off to get dressed. I was so thankful that she was happy and excited about her big day -- I think it made it easier for all of us!

We headed to school to get there early and find her spot in her room and have plenty of time for pictures and goodbyes. We waited outside with the other kids and parents for the teachers to come and fetch their classes. This is how mornings typically go at school, her teacher will come and bring the kids to the classroom.

We followed her teacher to the classroom and Madeleine found her table. Her class sits at tables and I really like that. Her table is right next to the teacher's desk and she met the girl that sits next to her.

Here we are about to say goodbye....yes I'm crying. I wore my sunglasses as long as I could! I think I was the only parent crying! Seriously?? I expected to at least be one of a FEW. :)

Matt was much stronger. Ha!

When we got to the room Ms. Simpson had Nemo playing on the pulldown screen. Harrison just went ahead and sat down on the mat and watched while we tooks pics and got Madeleine settled. It was sooooo nice! He would have been more than happy to be going to kindergarden too! We pretty much had to drag him from the room.....not yet little guy!

Ms. Simpson called all the kids to the circle time mat where they were starting their day. We gave hugs and waved to her and she turned to her teacher as if this was totally normal and no big deal! (Madeleine's the one with the green bow).

Matt and I headed upstairs for a Kindergarden parent breakfast. Harrison was happy to find out that they had cinnamon rolls. He sat still and ate and let us visit. So nice! Then he and I headed off to start our day.

I can't believe how fast this day came for me. I remember thinking about it when she was little and I would hold her in my arms, knowing that one day she's be spending the better part of her day with someone other than me. I never wanted this day to come. I don't think I ever wished away one moment of my morning time with her. One of my friends reminded me last week that this is the first step in "roots and wings" and I think she's exactly right.

But, it's still a big change for us, all of us. Thinking back I know I've been preparing her for this day for a long time. I wanted her to be filled with excitement. I wanted to her be confident. I knew without a doubt that there would be tears, but I hoped that they would only be from me and not from her. And, looking back at that day, I know that she was excited. She was confident. She was ready. And, so I've done my job (with a lot of help from matt). And that thought carried me through the day and dried my tears.

I know that we still have so much to teach her. I know there will be times where other kids will hurt her feelings and I am already praying that when those times come I'll know what to say and do for her. But for now I am thankful that her first day of school was a happy one.

I think the only one that's still unhappy about Madeleine's going to kindergarden around here is Harrison. He misses her so much! The when we picked her up the first day, I could hardly get a word in because he had to tell her all about his day first! He told her that he went to Target, when potty and took a nap in her bed. I'll never forget hearing their exchange that day, it was so sweet. She had a great first day! She came home filled with stories and such a sparkle in her eye. Perfect. Just perfect.

**Her first week went great! She got into the car Friday and told me first thing that she'd had a WONDERFUL DAY! She made a friend and got 2 treasures. Her teacher put her in the car and told me that Madeleine was a "joy" and "does everything she's supposed to do." What more can I ask for?