Going to bed, Kayla was super excited to be starting first grade. Honestly, she's been ready to go back to school since kindergarten ended. She just loves school...
I read The Night Before First Grade...just like I read The Night Before Kindergarten Last Year. The difference? This book was even more relatable. It spoke about two best friends, Penny and Jenny, that were in kindergarten together and were separated for first grade. Kayla was feeling a bit anxious because her BFF, Kendall, wasn't in her class this year. Luckily {or unluckily for the teachers}, Kendall was placed in the classroom next door which just happens to be through the bathroom. I have a feeling there will be a few "visits" happening to that class...just sayin'. Anyway, as I was reading, I began to tear up just thinking about my girl having to make all new friends. I knew she would rock it and I knew she would love it, but I so desired her to be in class with Kendall. After I read to her, Kayla picked up the book and proceeded to try to read it herself...what a difference a year makes. Sounding out words and reading sight words...my girl is a reader!
I tucked her into bed, holding back tears and went to bed wondering where in the world the past six years have gone. Wondering how it is possible that she is starting first grade. It is said that time flies when you're having fun...and nothing could be more true. These past six years with her have been some of the best years of my life.
Kayla woke to surprises throughout the house left from the Back-to-School Fairy.
A message on the bathroom mirror {"Kayla, Be Fabulous and Smile"}.
Another on the window.
And a little gift and note.
Lunch packed, breakfast digested {a special #1 pancake for the first day of first grade} and we were out the door...
In the rain...grrrrrrr...really?
Rain had to mess up my perfect pictures, didn't it??? Didn't Mother Nature know I was already a hormonal mess and throwing a wrench into my day like this just put me over the edge...but I pulled it together and we managed...
Driving to school we listened to her new Believe CD and of course "Call Me Maybe" and sang at the top of our lungs. Pulling into the school, Kayla looked scared, dropped a few tears and started saying over and over "I'm not gonna cry"...Quite possibly the most heart-wrenching moment of my life. Changing the subject has always been the best tactic when handling Kayla crying so I started talking about everything at school that would be exciting. Soon her smile re-emerged.
We stopped outside of the school for a few pictures...
{Remind me to thank Rick for not telling me the sign was upside down...proof that neither of us were in our right minds at that moment.}
Rick and I walked her to the front door and kissed her goodbye. The principal grabbed Kayla by the hand and walked her in. As I hid my tears behind my over-sized Juicy sunglasses, she turned back and gave me a reassuring smile...everything was going to be ok...
During our ride home I realized why she was probably completely overwhelmed. Her kindergarten center only had ten classrooms within the building. Her new school is large and has six first grade classes...and goes all the way through fifth grade. The only time Kayla had been inside the building was on Meet the Teacher night. As we walked the halls that night, it was packed with tons of Mommy's and Daddy's and kids and she probably couldn't even see two feet in front of her...I know I couldn't! I didn't explain to her that it would just be kids at school...and it wouldn't be that congested. Explaining everything to Kayla helps her process her feelings much more...I suppose that's the case for most kids...but us adults take it for granted and just go with it.
I probably should have gone out for the day...shopping would have been good...but at nine months pregnant, I felt like baby Logan was putting a lot of pressure on my girl parts making walking around a store completely un-desirable...and so my couch called my name. And so did the tissues. I just couldn't stop the tears...at all. It was quite ridiculous. I couldn't think about Kayla or look at a picture of her without crying and I am quite sure I dehydrated myself from crying...oh those damn pregnancy hormones...
She had an amazing first week. She did her homework throughout the week with very little help from me.
Her teacher said she is very smart, is making lots of friends, and is a complete joy to have in class...what more could a mommy want? All of that worrying and crying for not...such is the life of a Mommy...my girl's got this...I should have known it all along. Look out first grade...there's a new girl in town and she is gonna rock it like she has rocked everything else in her life...
Sorry that this week was so stressful, but glad that Kayla did so well! Good luck this school year!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a sweet story! Kayla is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, the sign pic was too funny ! she looks as beautiful as ever :)
ReplyDeleteKayla is going to bring joy to her entire classroom-- just like she does wherever she goes.
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