Lorelei’s First Day of School

Dear Lorelei,

You don't know this, but I have been apprehensive for your first day of Kindergarten for the last three weeks. (Who are we kidding, more like since you were born). Not for myself, but for you and all the new, scary and wonderful feelings you are about to experience. I was a first child too and know how daunting stepping out into the unknown world of school can be. Your personality is so much like mine, I can empathize with all you are experiencing. You are my guinea pig, the one who will help us both blaze a path through this unknown territory.

For the past 3 weeks you have been excited for school and I was so glad for you. Even early yesterday you were thrilled that you would ride the bus with your new friend Kenzie and be able to play with her at recess. Slowly throughout the day the reality of it all started to dawn on you. Suddenly I was getting questions like, "Will I be home for quiet time?" or "After you have the baby will I have to go to school." All the concerns I thought you might have were arriving in your brain at the worst possible time. I acted nonchalant and answered in happy tones about how fun and exciting your school day would be.

Last night you and I had to take a last minute trip to Target because you weren't happy with your clothing choices for your first day. Since your toddler years you have made it known that you hate jeans. Guess what you picked out at Target? A pair of jeans. We tried them on in the dressing room and you said, "Mom, I was so silly to not like jeans. Everybody should like 'em." You seemed happy with your choice of new shirt, that said Peace, Love, Cupcakes, and your new pair of dark washed jeans. We headed in the door at home where you proclaimed, "Dad I like jeans!"

This morning was a different story. Not only had I been worrying for you all night, you're mind was busy with worries too. While Dad was getting ready for work you crawled into bed with me and whispered, "Mom I'm scared to go to school." I knew at that moment it would be a difficult morning for both of us. You ate breakfast while I took a shower. When it came time to get dressed you couldn't decide if you should wear your jeans or your soft pants. Neither choice was making you happy. In the mean time, Allan was crying because you were going to school and the two of you kept hugging and clinging to each other as if you were leaving us for a lifetime. So many tears were shed this morning. I kept my game face on though. You were telling me all your fears; the toilet seat shape at school, the automatic flushing toilets, your pants not being comfortable, etc. The whole time I continued to reassure you that school can seem a little scary but it will be such a fun new adventure.

You continued to cry and I was doing my best to keep you moving along so we wouldn't miss the bus. You cried during the first couple pictures on the porch. I finally convinced you it would be okay. I promised that we would follow the bus to school and wait for you outside your classroom and wave at you as you passed by us.

So I loaded all of you up in the van and we drove to end of the driveway just in time for you to meet the bus. We took pics of you outside the bus and you hopped in, not with the happiest of faces. You had done it, taken your first steps toward your big day at school. I went back to van to find Allan crying because he didn't get to say goodbye, which of course led me to finally shed tears. We headed to school to meet you and your Dad called me to see how it went. I had all I could to hold some composure so he could understand me on the phone. I am blaming most of it on my pregnancy hormones ;)

We waited in the hallway outside your classroom. You gave a little wave as you walked by and the boys both peeked in your room waving wildly to you, so glad to see you again. After I saw you were settled we headed to the car, Allan and I feeling very somber to be leaving without you.

At lunch your teacher called and said you were having a great day. You were chosen for line leader and received the Panther Paw award which you could bring home overnight to show us. I feel so proud of you for putting on your brave face.

I am writing this during quiet time and am so anxious to see you this afternoon and hear all your stories from today.

We miss you.

Love,

Mom

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts