First Day

In Maya's own words her first day of Kindergarten was "Awesome"! She woke up yesterday to a rainbow in the sky to start out the day. It hadn't rained where we were, but there was a beautiful rainbow outside. I went in late to work so I could take her to school on her first day. I was in the other room and she came in all dressed and ready to go. Usually I am dressing her while she's still half asleep. We had an hour or so to kill before we had to go, so we played Clifford Uno, her favorite thing to do lately. When we got to school we were early so we went to the playground for a little while before the bell rang and everyone dashed for the doors. The teachers lined them up and walked them into their room. She was so excited! Around lunch time I got an email from her teacher saying that Maya was having a great day and that she is a joy to have in class. That was so nice and reassuring. I had a meeting in the afternoon so Maya took the bus home and stayed at the neighbor's house until Jeff got home. I asked the neighbor to text me to let me know she made it home okay. School was out at 2:15 and at 2:45 I hadn't heard anything. I waited and waited and waited. Finally at 3:00 I called and she had made it home okay, but the neighbor had forgotten to call me. I knew she was probably okay, but you never know for sure. When we had a chance to talk she said that her favorite parts of the day were recess and riding the bus. She really enjoyed her day and was excited to go back today!

Kindergarten!

We have a Kindergartener! Yes, Maya is starting Kindergarten tomorrow. A couple of weeks ago we went out to buy her school supplies. I expected something like a Hello Kitty notebook and folder, but when we got to the store she saw a notebook that she just had to have. . . . . Justin Beiber! I don’t know how she even knows who he is, but apparently she does. I tried to change her mind by showing her the Hello Kitty ones, but it was to no avail. I was successful on the choice of folder however, so we ended up with a Justin Beiber notebook and a cute kitten folder. Last night was “Back to School Night”, where we got to go in and meet her teacher, see the classroom and take in all of her school supplies. Her teacher, Ms. Ferguson, seemed really nice. I thought I was fine with the whole Kindergarten thing, thinking it wouldn’t really be that much different than sending her to daycare every day. Then I read the poem that the teacher gave us:

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and smile

As you entered my room today.

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay.

You've been with her for five years now

And have been a loving guide,

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave her at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

And tears down your cheeks may flow

I'll love her as I would my own

And help her learn and grow.

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love her and take her in

When you leave her at my door.

Okay, that made my eyes tear up a little. So, this morning I dropped Maya off at Kool Kids Child Care for the last time. She has been there since I went back to work after we brought her back from China nearly 5 years ago. We made a little thank you card and flower for the two teachers she has had for the last two years, Ms. Deb and Ms. Becki. She gave Ms. Becki hers this morning and as they talked the tears started forming in my eyes again. I guess this might be harder than I thought. Maya is super excited though. She keeps saying she can’t believe she’s starting Kindergarten tomorrow! I bet she won't sleep much tonight.