We Survived

Kiersta got up with her alarm this morning without any hesitation. She was cooperative and got ready quickly enough that she actually got to watch a bit of TV before we had to leave for "THE BIG DAY!"

The whole family drove to the school. We had wanted to walk but just weren't ready in time, no big surprise there. Don't worry, we did make it to school on time still. Driving to Kiersta's school was somewhat surreal. As a teacher, I am very used to being at school on the first day of the year, but this time I was tackling the event as a parent! Tons of kids in our neighborhood walk to school and it was quite difficult to turn left into the parking lot...one more reason to leave early in the morning.

As we waited for the classroom door to open, I noticed that many of the parents were sizing each other up, or maybe that was just me? Which parents looked friendly? Who had cute kids that seemed like they could be good playdate fodder? Who was wearing what? Three little girls, including Kiersta, had on the same pair of Payless Shoe Source shoes--so cute, I bought myself a pair as well! I guess we now have Mommy/Daughter shoes. LOL

We were finally admitted into the classroom where Kiersta was given a name tag and was instructed to find a cubby. The teacher took a picture of Brian, Kiersta and me together and then Kiersta had a seat on the carpet to wait for class to start. The teacher sat down and the parents were dismissed. Kiersta didn't cry. I didn't cry, much. It was a good start to a momentous day in our big girl's life.

The First Day of Kindergarten

I used to be little, but not anymore,

Tomorrow I'll get up and walk out the door.

I'm going to Kindergarten - it's the first time for me.

It's great to be big, but I'm scared as can be.

My tummy's in knots. You want to know why?

I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe I'll cry.

When Dad leaves the school and I'm there all alone,

I'm thinking that maybe I'll want to go home.

But wait - Mommy said I'll play lots of new games,

And meet lots of friends - I can learn all their names.

The first day of Kindergarten, oh there's so much to do!

There's painting and books and a big playground, too!

I used to be little, but not anymore.

Tomorrow I'll get up and walk out the door.

I'm going to Kindergarten - it's my first day, you see.

It's great to be big! I'm so glad that I'm me.

---

Milestones

Tomorrow Kiersta starts her first day of Kindergarten. She's nervous and excited, so am I.

Today I took Kiersta shopping for a new dress and shoes to wear on her first day of school. I hadn't planned to buy Kiersta any new clothes as she doesn't need anything, but who doesn't start kindergarten with a new outfit? We also went and met her teacher and checked out the classroom a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, Kiersta's teacher is out on maternity leave through most of October, so Kiersta will have a long-term sub. Fortunately, the sub is a retired kindergarten teacher from the school who has been spoken of very highly by my friends who have older kids. While visiting the school, Kiersta learned how to do the monkey bars and was a pro by the time we left (turning around and going back the other way without putting her feet down in the middle)!

Here is Kiersta on the monkey bars.

Being the sap that I am, I can't help but remember my little bundle of joy and the many milestones she has reached in her nearly 5 1/2 years of life: first smile, sitting up and rolling over, first tooth, learning to walk, potty training, learning to swim, first day of daycare (where I REALLY cried), playdates, first words...oh I could just go on. Needless to say, Kiersta has come a long way and I am very confident that she is ready for kindergarten, even if she doesn't know it yet. I just have to wonder if I am ready.

KINDERGARTEN WONDER

-Wendy Silva

I wonder what you're doing right now

and if everyone is treating you kind.

I hope there is a special person,

a nice friend that you can find.

I wonder if the teacher knows

just how special you are to me.

And if the brightness of your heart

is something she can see.

I wonder if you are thinking about me

and if you need a hug.

I already miss the sound of your voice

and how you give my leg a tug.

I wonder if you could possibly understand

how hard it is for me to let you grow.

On this day know that my heart breaks,

for this is the first step in letting my baby go.