The First Day of School

The first day of school is always a mix of emotions. Isn't that par for the course in parenthood? It's like feeling all the emotions at once - anxiety, fear, joy, excitement - all rolled into one and just putting hope in your kids that you've prepared them well for the new adventures that await them in first and third grade. Having faith in the teachers that you so trustingly hand over your kids to for 7 hours a day.

 

I want to rewind the clock, freeze time, and skip ahead to the future all at the same time. The past 8 and half years feel more like months, while the anticipation of all the exciting things to come seem ages away.

 

So all I can do is freeze these precious moments in photographs, to remember all the emotions. Because every single one of them counts. Because I want them to know I was there. To share in that joy, and excitement of the new school year. But also to help alleviate the anxiety and the fear even though I was feeling it too. That even though I'm not physically there during the day. I am always there. With them, for them, cheering them on. 

 

PS: We finally did get a new doormat :) And Gracen took her bow out as soon as she got to her desk, and Hadley said she'd wear hers all day if I gave her a quarter. I happily obliged.

 First day of school 2015, Gracen 2014, Hadley 2014, Gracen 2012 (#fail, I didn't post Gracen's first day of kindergarten, or either of their first days of 3 yo pre-school)

First Day of School

I'm fully aware that the first day of school was well over a month ago.. but let's just pretend I'm better at writing things in a more timely manner.

Gracen started second grade this year, which means more homework, and harder homework. She's just such an active kid that it's kind of hard for me still to send her off to school for 8 hours a day. Don't get me wrong she's a smart kid, but unfortunately she inherited my attitude towards grade school. The 'what's the point of all this' attitude. So we're working on it. She's come a long ways in reading since last year and it's pretty amazing to watch. I'm horrible help to her (zero patience - thank goodness I didn't want to be a teacher). But now that everything's clicking, we're starting to read some chapter books and I truly hope she develops a love of reading that matches my own. (Except maybe just don't try to read during school ok? Teachers frown upon reading a chapter book while you're supposed to be reading your history book. Just ask Aunt Nanie.)

We were a little late to Gracen's classroom because she wanted to go with me to drop off Hadley. Sorry Miss Wilkerson!

We had to sneak a pic with Miss W on the second day of school since were running late on day one. #typical

She didn't want to smile with her teeth this year since she lost her top teeth. But I promise she was excited. And I'm also wondering how long she'll let me keep doing her hair the exact same way on the first day of school! (Answer at least through 8th grade! ha) It was also HER idea to curl her hair. She likes to be fancy.


Sending Hadley off to kindergarten wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. I mean I was still teary eyed and sentimental (par for the course) but girlfriend was ready. We had a countdown for over a month on when school would start. The first day she was only there about an hour and half, and the second day was a half day. That night she was so excited because "tomorrow we get to go for EIGHT WHOLE HOURS!". Who is this kid?

"Mom it's time for school - stop taking my picture!"

I'm so excited that she's so excited. It's just amazing to me how totally different she is from her sister. Despite how many times we're asked if they're twins, they couldn't be anymore different in personality. Hadley despises bows and was so embarrassed I made her wear it to school. HA! I'm only getting started sweet girl. This kid is already reading by herself, does her math homework in no time flat, and even when she's done, she wants to do more. Hallelujah for this kid! I'm not entirely sure how she's so independent at 6 (tear) but it's a joy to watch, and really it's all her - her parents take no credit for it. We hit the studious genetic jackpot with her.

I mean really - it does not get much cuter than this. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE uniforms??

And just like that we're off. Before I know it, it will be Christmas break! I mean can someone please explain to me how it's already a day away from OCTOBER?!

God speed to all the fellow parents out there sending their littles back to school (ya know a month ago...) May you have the patience and calmness of a saint during homework time! St Ann - pray for us!

First Day of First Grade

You were a little nervous.

And so was I.

We took the obligatory first day of school photos outside, and as silly as it seems to you now, some day I hope you look back on them and appreciate the moments captured. Because there are so many that cannot be caught on film (iphones?)

As I walked you into school as a big first grader now, I couldn't help but relish the feeling of your tiny little hand in mine. You squeezed it tight as we walked into your classroom. New school year, new shoes, new teacher, and a few new faces. I gave you one last quick hug and whispered I love you before heading back out. You may be a little bit taller, and your hair may be a little bit longer, but you'll always be my baby.

I blinked and a year went by.

Here's to new adventures - never stop learning my sweet girl.