Alyssa turned 5 on August 22nd and just 4 short days later she started kindergarten. She was so excited. New school supplies, new backpack, new outfit, she was ready to go.
Sunday night we packed a lunch of her choice, tuna fish (only kindergartener I know who'd choose tuna for lunch), packed her bag, laid out her clothes, and tucked her in. She was way too excited or nervous or maybe a bit of both to sleep. She was still tossing at 10 pm. She wandered in to my room around 3:30 am. I knew this could be trouble in the morning.
Monday morning I woke up my girl to get ready for the first day if school. Half awake Alyssa sat down to eat a bowl of cereal. This was not a good sign. She slowly got dressed and even slower got ready to leave. Jonny gets her outside and she breaks. Full on tears, screaming, hyperventilating, begging us not to take her. Luckily, Jonny's mom was in town and could stay with James and Natalie. It allowed both Jonny and me free to wrestle her in her seat. Needless to say, I didn't get my off to school pic every mom needs that morning.
The whole 3 minute drive to school she begged, "Let me go home. Take me home. Let tomorrow be my first day." We arrived at school, walked her to her class, and sat her at her table. After hugs and kisses we left her there quietly coloring. I missed her all day. I worried she just sat there and cried. 3:20 finally arrives and we pick her up (side note just to say that the elementary school pick up line is one of the circles of hell). She cannot stop talking. She loves school and wants to live there. And I get my first day of school pic, sleepy eyes and all.
The rest of the week is a piece of cake. We get into our new routine rather quickly. Every morning she gets up, eats breakfast, and tells me she's going to ride the bus. She brushes her teeth and gets dressed. As I'm fixing het hair I ask her if she's really going to ride the bus. She answers, "Yes." I get James and Natalie dressed in preparation for this next bit of song and dance. I say, "It's almost 7:45. If you're riding the bus you need to get your shoes on and get your backpack." We walk to the door. I help her slip on her backpack. She looks up at me, "Maybe I'll be a car rider again today."
We've had so many firsts this week. First day of school. First time buying a school lunch. First homework assignment. First ID card that looks a little like a mugshot. First week of smiley faces on her behavior chart. I'm proud of my girl. I think she's going to love kindergarten. I even think one day she'll ride the bus.
