Kindergarten

Makayla (and Mommy) has been experiencing a mixture of emotions this week. Everything from elation, excitement, fear, dread, shyness, and back again to excitement. Kayla told me on the way to kindergarten orientation Monday morning, "I'm not sure I'm ready for this. I was really into it before when it was a long ways away, but now I'm not so sure." She was glad to meet her teacher and get to see her classroom, but she came home bored. Apparently she didn't enjoy hearing all the information that us parents were happy to finally receive.
Then Tuesday Kayla had her first real day at Kindergarten. She was nervous until we read The Kissing Hand. I kissed both of her palms and even used pen to add lips so she wouldn't forget. After that she knew I loved her and would be back to get her soon. She was also worried she might forget me. After I assured her Kindergarten lasted only a little longer than preschool, suddenly she wondered what all the fuss was about. She did fine at preschool, and she was going to do fine at kindergarten. Mommy did good too.
Off on her own-okay Allie and I were only steps behind her.

Ms. Pietrzak, the teacher, is standing in the background with the yellow paper in her hand.

Kayla is already getting started; notice the cute red head climbing in the chair next to her. The only tears we had were from Allie who really wanted to stay and color with her big sister.

Time to pick Makayla up! Everyday her class will wait out front until a parent or older sibling comes and gets them from the teacher. Ms. Pietrzak is very adamant that she will not allow kindergartners is leave unaccompanied.

Makayla had a great time at school. It was lots of fun except she hurt her hands at recess. I think she'll live. Today is early day which means she went at 11:10 instead of her normal 12:20 and will be done at 1:05 instead of 3:10. She thought it was great fun to have brunch before she left. She's already so confident with this whole school thing, she didn't even want Allie and me to walk her to class.

It really is true what they say about sending your child to school being a time of mixed emotions. I couldn't be prouder, and I'm glad she is ready for this step towards independence. But she's getting older and more independent. I didn't tell her she could do that.