Today was Alyssa’s first day of Kindergarten. It is only a half day, but I didn’t realize how much this would really be a first day for her…or me. I guess I have been thinking, she has a few half days, and then really starts on the 25th. But when you get the lunch packed, get dressed, eat breakfast, walk them into class, see the teacher and friends and then walk out alone, you realize… this is it. This really is her first day. And if you had asked me in the months leading up to this day, I would have said, “Oh, we are so ready. I am ready for a break and she needs more from me than I can give her. No, I am not sad, I am looking forward to this time.” Of course, all that is true, but would you be surprised if I told you I had to use my tissue that they handed out at the Tears and Tissues breakfast this morning? Everything was fine, she transitioned into the class wonderful and was playing on the floor when I left. She gave the teacher a hug when they met and waved good-bye at me. I chatted with a few parents, asked a few bus questions, ate my donut and then decided I was done. It was not until I walked to the car that I felt this emotion build in me. What? Where did this come from? I did not expect this. But this indescribable feeling came to the surface. Tears of joy, tears of excitement, tears full of memories of the last 5 years with my baby girl. This is the beginning for her for so many things, and it is these milestones that really make you aware of how fast they grow up.

Lord, watch over my girl today. Let her feel loved. Let her feel accepted. Remind her that you are with her and we are here cheering her on. Protect her from harm and bless her with an unbelievably exciting day.

Two years old

Three years old

Four years old

Today at five years old

See more of the first day

In our school, the kindergartners start 2 weeks after the big kids. Alyssa has done a K camp and testing this week and next week has two more half-days of fun before “real” school starts. I have been trying to get her up and dressed like we were going to school so that both of us can adjust to the schedule. So far, she has missed the bus everyday but this one. And technically, she was in the middle of eating breakfast so we wouldn’t have made it that day either. She enjoyed going outside with the big kids and waiting for the bus. Lucky us, it stops right next door. She seems excited about riding on it and I don’t know how a parent can turn down this offer from the district. It is like someone offering to drive the carpool everyday. Or I could wake Megan up an hour early, sit in the work traffic to get 2 blocks down the road, to wave good-bye and drive home. Oh, and don’t forget sitting in the pickup line in the afternoon which I have heard is ridiculous. So thank you Williamson County, my child will ride your bus.

Today, while Alyssa and I were coloring, I was telling her how much she knew at Megan’s age. Here is our conversation:

Mom: When you were Megan’s age, you could say your ABCs and count to 10.

Alyssa: I could do that when I was one?

Mom: Yes, you are a smart girl.

Alyssa: But I didn’t know about smoking like I do now. I know some, but I forget all that stuff that you know. (We had a lengthy discussion on what smoking can do to your body.)

Mom: All you need to remember is that smoking is bad for you and it is yucky.

Alyssa: Yeah, and some people know that but they keep doing it because they have an appetite for it. (The word she meant was habit.)

I think with her knowledge of smoking I can comfortably send her to school now. Her first day is the 25th. And I found out that her teacher is an ACU graduate. How cool is that?