This is Mia’s first day of Kindergarten. This is also the first year that Mia will be in school full day, every day. AWESOME!! Don’t get me wrong. We like to spend time with our kids, but we don’t need to spend all our time with them, and school couldn’t have come at a better time as I think both Mark and I are nearing the end of our ropes on patience. It’s a much needed break for us all. I think Claudine will benefit from time away from her sister as well, though this morning she got very upset because she seemed to be under the impression that it was *her* first day of school too. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t find her name anywhere or why there wasn’t a chair for her at the table. Mark had to take her out shrieking and fussing. Great. I’m not really looking forward to this drama every morning that I have to drag Claudine to school drop off.
Honestly, I hadn’t given the significance of the first day of Kindergarten much thought until we approached the building. You get kind of caught up alongside the mobs of parents and kids converging to the neighborhood public school and feed off that excitable energy. Lots of hugs and picture-taking. I was curious to see how Mia would respond to her new school setting with a teacher who is about 30 years older than her preschool teachers and with a class size of 22 instead of 7. The classroom itself was really sweet with lots to look at, and I could tell Mia was instantly smitten with the whole idea of going to a big school. She kept proclaiming at pick up time on the walk home that it was so great and that she can’t believe she gets to go there every day.
So I know it’s really boring to state the obvious, but the first 5 years of life really does go by in a flash. Seriously, nothing makes you feel more like a parent than taking your kid to her first day of school. You don’t imagine it coming so soon when they are little like this…
…but it does.
What a momentous day! I just dropped of my two older kids (second and fourth). The first day frenzy returns every year, it seems. Maybe middle school will be different, but for now, I’m enjoying it. Glad to hear Mia had a great first day!
I have been reading your blog for several months now and I really look forward to coming here almost daily. Your daughters are adorable. Glad to hear that Mia loved school and glad to hear you are enjoying the daily break too!
Awe, how adorable! I hope Mia’s bag was full of super cute school supplies. Pretty paper and pencils alone are good enough reasons to start school.
I’m so glad to hear how well it went for her. And am sincerely hoping Claudine adjusts quickly. That’s got to be really hard for her.
i jst want to get in the picture and hug her! so cute!!!
haha, i just realized that mia ALWAYS has far more sophisticated hair and clothes than i EVER do. she looks so mature chatting at the table!
I know! I know! I was so caught up when I dropped Alexander off. He is such a big boy. I love your photos. You captured it so well!
As I have said before…SO adorable. She looks as though she would be ready for first grade if that were the case. One thing, though…and you may think I am being overly neurotic, but, delete the picture of the school’s number from the bunch. Too much information, if you know what I mean.
That seriously made me cry. It was the picture at the end. How do you do it???!?
hi mia! I wish you a super good start in your school … school is great … I hope you get my letter… Pauline from Germany
It is important to have some time to yourself.
I remember when my bosses’ son stopped taking naps = more time needing attention. He’s in kindy now, too.
Ah good old Crayola.
Sigh. Love it.
So sweet. I got a little choked up thinking in a few years I’ll be taking my sweet girl. Your pictures really bring back memories. I’m so glad Mia is enjoying school, she seems to have the perfect outgoing personality to fit right in. Cheers to you!
AWWW… baby Mia is so cute!
That is such a wonderful baby picture!
gorgeous post! she’s so sweet, it’s true, goes by so fast! my oldest will start kindergarten next fall, i can’t believe it. i agree about the needed space, too. i think everyone benefits from that in the end 🙂
As a mother of three, I can definitely relate to your comments ~ my youngest just started kindergarten as well this year, and it’s definitely bittersweet! Our oldest is a junior in high school, and as I look at this boy-man standing in my kitchen, I’m amazed by just how quickly they grow up (sniffle). LOVED the picture of Mia as a baby btw – so sweet.
So adorable this little bundle of joy!
You giving me baby fever.
Beautiful photos, thank you.