And they are off ... Today we drove the kids to school; tomorrow they will begin to ride the bus.  They were both super excited.  Zachary was up before I got home from the gym.  He said he woke up at 3am, went back to sleep and woke up just before 5am.  Maddy woke up at around 6am.  I came downstairs after showering and they were both sitting on the couch, dressed (shoes and all) and ready for the day.  We all had breakfast, I got everything ready and we were out the door on this rainy morning.

 

Law came along to send her off on her first day.  She was happily posing for pictures, but I could see a little fear in her eyes.  I took pictures, but once I was done she held my hand, tightly.  We took her to her teacher and showed her where to line up and Law kissed her and said his goodbyes; I stayed for a while longer.  She was standing there taking it all in, just watching as each child took their place behind her.  I didn't want to stay next to her till the very end because I think she needed to be alone and take it all in w/o me and I didn't want to get emotional.  I gave her kisses and hugs and she she blew me extra kisses as I said goodbye and told her to have a good day. I went and got my volunteer sticker and found a spot where she could not see me, but still watched as she just stood there.  I stayed strong and just watched and all I could think about is how big and brave she is; I knew she was ready and it was time to let her go.  When I was done helping out, I got in the car and this is the email I received from a friend and this brought me to tears:

 

First Day Of Kindergarten School Poem

~Author Unknown~

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her
In the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside
the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred, hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore --
She's in Kindergarten today.

 

This is it; she is a big girl now and now all I can do is continue to teach her, love her, guide her and nurture her all while giving her the independence she will need to succeed in life, just as I have done with her brother.   Mommy will be OK once I see that her first day was a success, as I am sure it was. 

 

Zachary was easy.  He kissed us both and waved goodbye as he turned down the third grade hallway.  He is a big boy now and needs no help from us.  I am happy with that, but sad at the same time.

 

I posted pictures, so be sure to take a look.