MySDMoms Staff Finally, the day arrived: F’s first day of Kindergarten. We’d been to the orientation, we were thrilled about the teacher she got (Ms. S), we’d done the back to school shopping (well, one outfit from the Gap outlet), we’d attended the playdate one of the moms organized – we were feeling ready.
At least F was. If anything, she seemed really excited. I was the one who was feeling a little emotional. I was unsure about the drop-off, so we got there a few minutes early and found parking. It was hot and sweaty and a little chaotic in her new classroom, but happy and exciting. F found her name at a seat and sat down and started coloring while I snapped as many pictures as I could. She gave me a big hug and a kiss, and then the second bell rang and her teacher invited all the kids to come sit on the rug… and that was that! She was officially a kindergartener.
As I drove to work, my mind raced. Did I pack enough lunch? Did I tell the right people about her food allergy? Does the office have her Epi-Pens? Does the extended day program know where to pick her up? Yes, yes, yes, and yes, but it had all happened so fast, I had a hard time relaxing and wrapping my head around it. And I felt a little off all day; I kept checking my phone to see if the school had called, and I couldn’t stop thinking about her and wondering how she was doing. Deep down I knew that it was going to be so great for her, but wow! It is a bittersweet moment, leaving your child at Kindergarten for the very first time.
I couldn’t wait to get to her at the end of the day to hear all about it. As I walked on campus to pick her up, I imagined the conversation we’d have and anticipated sweet little stories about new friends and new adventures. So when I finally got to her, after the hugs and kisses and after the lump in my throat had gone away, I asked her, “How was it? How was your day?”
“Well, mom, it was great. And GUESS WHAT? I like Ms. S more than I like you and Dad! I DO!!”
Ha! We’ll take it. 😉
