"I'll be waiting right here for you..."

...I thought as Katelyn bounced happily along in line with her class toward the school. And even though I walked away from the school with a few tears in my eyes, I felt content knowing that Katelyn was excited about starting 1st grade. It's hard to feel sad when Katelyn is so happy.

Today Katelyn started 1st grade in a new school. I was really worried that I wouldn't know what to do with myself while she was at school ALL DAY that first day back. And I did watch the clock. And I did check her class schedule off and on throughout the day so I'd know what she would be doing from moment to moment. But overall, my day went really fast. I talked on the phone, I blogged, I did chores, I caught up on Facebook news, and I read a new book. And before I knew it, it was 2:45 & time to go get my girl from school.

When I picked Katelyn up from school, I could tell she was tired. And famished. The kid was starving-when we got home she needed a snack right away & drank 3 full glasses of water. Oh, & peed like a racehorse-she hadn't gone to the bathroom all day!!! I asked her numerous questions about her day, but she just wasn't having it-she needed some down time so I respected that boundary & let her decompress with her Wii.

Later we went to piano lessons, and on the way to her teacher's house, she told me a little about her day. Here's the gist: she thinks her teacher is very nice, she had a couple of kids to play with at recess & someone to sit with at lunch, she liked the math work, and she earned all her stickers. A successful first day, wouldn't you agree?!!

Dear Katelyn,
You've adjusted to a new school, a new teacher, new kids, new schedule, new everything with confidence, courage, and spunk! I am so proud of you! Thanks for easing your 'ol mom into this all-day school stuff with kindness-you've been very patient with me. It's no secret that I've had a hard time letting go, but I realize what a big girl you are & that you want some independence. I get it. Just remember I love you & I'll always be here if you need me!
Love,
Mom xxoo

A healthy breakfast to start your first day~

My 1st grader~

New year-new shoes!

A smile is worth a thousand words~

Katelyn's good friend Merriam is in her class~

Meeting Principal McNair~

Katelyn's teacher, Mrs. Hamilton~

As I was walking home from taking Katelyn to school, I saw this little bunny sitting quietly in the grass. I thought to myself, "wow this little bunny is so peaceful and content & not afraid to let me be close to it." And in that moment, a peaceful feeling washed over me, and I knew everything was going to be alright.