Ashley has started KINDERGARTEN!!! Her first day went very well. Due to being jet lagged and readjusting to the time change after being in Italy, I woke up very early for a few days (I.e. 3:30 am, 4:30 a.m, etc.) The one perk to that was that everything was done and ready with PLENTY of time, so there was no rushing around. It was a nice relaxed morning. We even had time to play duck duck goose a few times before leaving. Daddy started work a little later so that he could bring Ashley to school as well for her first day of kindergarten.
When we dropped her off, there were no tears for anyone (as I expected). Ashley had been slightly nervous beforehand, but the day of she reported that she was "just excited". We ran into several of her friends--some from preschool, and a couple who were already at Manito Elementary School. Her friend Amanda had Ashley's teacher (Mrs. Woodward) last year, so she came up and reassured Ashley that her teacher was so nice. Her other older friend, Morgan, gave her a big hug. Lots of smiles and excitement the morning of. Ashley's friend, Gianna (our neighbor) is in Ashley's class. She struggles with anxiety and was crying, and Ashley was actually talking to her and trying to comfort her. It was sweet. Anyway, we did our hugs and kisses goodbye, packed her a special note for her first day, and left.
I didn't cry or get emotional either. There is a little intimidation about her entering the "real school" with bigger kids, more exposure to hearing and seeing things. Having to let go of that protection and innocence bubble she's been in. But I think that is where the God piece comes in, and knowing God's got this. And I also one who believes in having open and honest conversations with kids (in an age-appropriate way), and I already told Ashley that if she hears or sees anything that she's not sure about, that I'm always here to talk about it with her. I also encouraged her to listen to her intuition, that God connection, and listen to that wise voice within that tells her right from wrong. So I feel pretty ok with the letting go piece.
Also, Ashley is just plain ready. She has been ready for a long time. She is very bright. She loves and thrives on learning new things. She's ready for more--longer days and more information. She is ready for a little distance from her mom and sister so much. So I was excited for this new chapter for her.
Emily had a great first day of preschool at OLPH (3's class) too. I was a little more nervous for her, only because we had been away for 10 days on our Italy trip, and only saw her the day before school started. The day before, I took her to the meet and greet visit at school where she could meet her new teachers (Mrs. Pfeiffer and aid) and see her new classroom. Due to me being away, Emily was pretty clingy to me and didn't even want to say hello to the teacher. She was also really sad because she wanted her old teachers Mrs. Ham and Mrs. Kant back.
However, Emily had a great first day. Her teacher said she was happy, followed directions and played nicely. She even said that her friend Sammy was having a sad first day, and Emily cheered him up. Emily was also giving her teacher a hug by the end, and told me that she was nice and liked her.
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