Ashlyn's first day of Kindergarten had been giving me anxiety for weeks. This girl has been with me every day for over 5 years since she was born. Now I was just supposed to give her up Mondays through Fridays all day long until 4pm? No way! Coming to grips that this was part of life and that I couldn't keep her home all to my self, I knew slowly but surely I must get over it and help her prepare for school. Touring her new Elementary was fun. It brought back so many memories of just how fun school is. However, at the same time I began to worry about all these little things "How was my baby supposed to find her way around?...What if someone hurts my little girl's feelings?...Who is going to watch her?" I was completely overwhelmed. I kept telling myself to suck it up, but every so often I would have a minor break down and shed some tears. Ugh! I blame my parents for giving me extra emotional genes, but man I was scared. Kindergarten was a huge step and a whole new world. Things started calming down when I started to realize all of the fun and positive things Ashlyn would be experiencing in school. The new friends, the independence, all of the fun activities, learning, and more. Elementary school is a kid's dream-- they get to have recess, lunch, snacks, art, music, PE, computer time, etc. Her days are going to be filled with so much fun.
Tuesday night our friends brought over the sweetest first day of school gifts for our family. Ashlyn got an entire bag of bubblegum (her absolute favorite) and a good luck note, I got a bag of gourmet Milano Melt's with a note that said "In case you have a MELTdown, here is a little something to give you some comfort." It was so cute! Little did I know that I would need that chocolate more than I knew it. That night both Ashlyn and I were restless and had a hard time sleeping. Anxiety, excitement, worry, and other emotions were running through our bodies.
Wednesday morning came extra early when Ashlyn came bolting into the room bright and early at 7 am asking if it was time yet (mind you this girl would usually sleep an hour to two hours more on any other day). Seeing her with so much excitement was so cute. We got her ready, did her hair (which we chopped off), and took some cute first day pictures.
We took her to school for her first day but since we were running a little late, she was whisked away to class before I really even got to tell her bye. Bret and I went to a Kindergarten Orientation in the cafeteria with other parents before heading home. Boy did I want to burst into her class for one last hug, a good pep talk, and a kiss. I shed a few minor tears when I got home, but mostly spent my day looking at the clock and trying to keep my mind busy so the time would go by faster and I could see her again. Lame I know, but she's my girl!
It's weird not having her home now. She was the one who kind of ran the show here, telling us what to play and what not. Now Gavin is taking that role over and there will probably be a lot more super hero play and a lot less Barbies, house, and singing.
It's only Ashlyn's second day and I still miss her like crazy, but I'm sure it will get better and easier as time goes on. I did send her off with some cute bribe gifts to both her bus driver and teachers. I'm hoping the gifts will help them take extra special care of my sweet girl.
I just keep asking myself "Am I really old enough to have a kid in school?" It just feels so weird to be at that stage in life. Luckily my Gavin has a late birthday in October and misses the cut off date for school so I will get to spend a few more years with that cute boy before he leaves me.
