Kindergarten.....sniff

I can't believe I am actually sitting here writing this post. I can't believe my "baby" is in kindergarten! I wasn't nearly as nervous or upset as I thought I would be when it was time to drop her off. I kind of feel like dropping her off for preschool when she was 3 was her real first day of school and this was just a continuation. 

At the same time I was all nostalgic with the fact that she was beginning her big girl school years at the same place that my school years (teaching) left off. It's like she stepped right into the world I left behind to stay home with her. I worked at this school right out of college until I had her.  I LOVED it there and felt like it was my family away from home as much as one can when they are at work.  This school saw me through getting married, struggling to get pregnant, teaching while pregnant and finally having Natalie and all the emotions that came with her.  It was the first place I took her when we left the NICU because I just couldn't wait to show her off to people that I knew would see nothing but my gorgeous baby girl.  They did not disappoint...picture a building full of women, add newborn. haha She has been smothered and loved there since that day by all the same people who she now sees on a daily basis.  I can't tell you how comforting that is. I love me some full circleness!!!

I have been so disgustingly excited about this year beginning due to the fact that her teacher is AMAZING!  I had some major separation anxiety at the end of preschool at the thought of leaving her teachers who were also completely amazing.  I was worried this year would bring with it a teacher who wouldn't get her, who wouldn't have the patience or the personality to bring out the best in my girl.  I could not have been more off.  So far Natalie has done nothing but beam when asked about school and that to me speaks volumes.  I even heard that she crawled up onto her teachers lap and laid her head on her shoulder.  That.is.unheard.of! haha  

Ok back to the first day...focus! That morning went off without a hitch.  She got ready to go and about ran to the car with her backpack...thinking she might have been just a tad bored with staying home all summer with me. haha

She took off her backpack, put it in the car and hopped in and buckled herself.  Excited much?

It's weird when you step back for a minute and realize just what a big kid your "baby" really is.  She is a champion and I am so proud to be her mommy.  Just 5 short years ago our lives were in a state of shock and what ifs.  Of fear and unknowns.  Of doubts in ourselves and in what the future held for our girl.  Today....well, today they all just kind of melted away.  

I got her out of the car where she promptly grabbed her backpack and headed for the door.  I had to call her back for a kiss and a quick hug (obviously more for me than for her haha).  She then turned, took her teacher's hand and headed in like she had been going there for years. 


Not sure what she was saying here but I couldn't get her to stop talking long enough to get a smile...I wonder where she gets that from?  


Saying "Cheese!"  

I gave a little sniff and a wave as we sent her in for her first day of big girl school.  Kindergarten, how did we get here so fast?  I hope that she enjoys the new crayon smell as much as her mama does.  Off to wait on the bus now....  :)