first day

Jillian's first day of kindergarten came and went! Just as fast as (mostly) every other day does. Every new phase of life makes me feel like I'm leveling-up in "Mom status" you know? Having kids in school? That's like at least level 700. (Owning a minivan advances you another several levels, by default).

I laid out her clothes the night before, packed her backpack with her assigned classroom snacks, hand sanitizer and extra tissues (two things that are abundant in kindergarten classrooms, but you know, just in case), and set my alarm to wake up presumably before the girls to get myself ready before worrying about getting them ready (they still woke up before me). 

Jillian was excited! She's been asking me "how many more days?!" since her kindergarten testing appointment last week. This morning she said she was a little nervous though. I told her that was okay, and everyone else- even Mrs. Mitchell- was probably feeling a little nervous too. She hesitated a little when we got to the door, pulling back on my hand, but then we walked in and put her backpack away and she found a spot on the polkadot carpet to sit on, with her eyes glued to her new teacher. I even had to remind her to give me a hug and a kiss! Then she turned to me and quickly said, "Bye Mom!" and turned her attention right back to Mrs. Mitchell. 

A little lump welled up in my throat- partly relieved there was no weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth to get her to stay (thank you answered prayer), and also because those whispered words "Bye Mom!" felt so grown up and independent. 

When I picked her up she ran up to me a gave me a big hug and exclaimed, "THAT WAS AWESOME!" And wanted to know when she was coming back. She was thrilled when I informed her it would be everyday (for the next 13 years...). 

Her favorite part of the day was reading a story about dinosaurs who went to school. She thinks it's so cool her classroom has play-dough and puzzles, and giggled when she told me she's a "later gator" and her friend Tali is an "early bird" (earlier and later start times). 

And just like that...here we go!