Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Ta Dah!


Presenting one of Senatobia's newest kindergarteners!

Sorry for the not-great picture. I tried taking some in the backyard before we left, but it was so muggy that my lens kept fogging up. The school parking lot was a little better, but by that point she was too distracted.

So, this is the best I could get.

I also realized after we got inside that I should've taken the camera inside, but I didn't because I didn't want to look like one of "those" moms. I could kick myself - I AM one of "those" moms. Who am I kidding? I wouldn't have been the only one with a camera in there!

She was up before her alarm went off, ready to go. Saying "I've been dreaming about this for so long. It's my best day ever!" School didn't start until 7:40, but we left the house at 7:15 so we would have plenty of time to get through traffic and find a parking space.

No problem on either count, even though there is a new middle school on the street that the street in front of her school dead ends into. Guess leaving early helped.

We parked across the street next to a now-unused building (since the new school was built) and walked over. Along with about a bazillion other parents and kids, some carrying nap mats signifying they were also kindergarteners.

Her teacher is the mother of one of her soccer teammates from last year - Abby, the girl with which Anna Marie was going to start the Tate County Pint Size Republican Club. (Her grandfather, the teacher's father-in-law, is the head of the GOP here). Abby, of course, was not in her mother's class. Dayton isn't in there either, and I'm kind of glad - I was afraid that she would hold back from meeting new kids if he was there.

Her Arch Nemesis, Peyton, isn't in there either. I didn't have time to see whose class she is in, except that it isn't her grandmother's.

We put her stuff into her cubby (she has a cubby! With her name on it!) and sat her down at the table where her name was (her name! She has an assigned seat!) There was a coloring sheet there, so I guessed that the kids were expected to color quietly while everyone was arriving.

The teacher remembered us from soccer. As I look back over last fall, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not!

I even got a car pass to pick her up - Jason will have to get one too for the days when it's his turn. Apparently, no pass, no AM.

She sat down at her table, and put on her name tag. Luckily, since the teacher knew us, we didn't have to go into the "she's called both names" stuff. Her name was Anna Marie on everything, right down to the frog on the front door.

My little girl started coloring, like she belonged there or something! I hated to leave - but I knew I had to. I gave her a hug and she gave me a kiss, and I said a little prayer with her, and I left.

And I didn't even cry.

I think it helped to see who her teacher was - knowing that she also has a daughter starting school today, and being somewhat familiar with her.

I can't wait to see her this afternoon and hear how her day went. She was feeling much better this morning, by the way. I did give her a Benadryl, just for good measure. And to keep her calm - hey, maybe that's why she was being so quiet once we got in there!

Maybe we'll go to Sonic after school and get a drink, and have a little chat. Just the two of us.

7 comments:

My Trendy Tykes said...

She looks excited!
I just found your blog while surfing. We will actually be moving to your area in the next few weeks. Small world huh?

Linda

Donna Boucher said...

A little Sonic time together sounds just like what I would do!!!

Your girlie is adorable and looks so happy!

Jolene George said...

She looks adorable and I'm glad you felt good about her first day of kindergarrten. I'm sure it will be a great year for her.
Happy birthday to you Melissa!

Susie Q said...

Oh my. YOU did not cry but now *I* am! She is so precious it slays me.
I am thrilled for her. She is off on a great adventure. I know that you will fell better now and that drink at Sonic (I love those Cherry Limeades..The Route 66 size of course!) and chat will be heavenly.

Hugs,
Sue

Valerie said...

she is sooooo stinking cute!! that smile is a mile wide!
OK - so you may not have cried, but dangitall, you made me well up.

how was Sonic and the first day?!

Anonymous said...

I'm very proud of you! It sounds like you held yourself together very well!

Sheila said...

You did great! I think these "first days" are harder on us moms than they are for the kids! I still have my pictures of Tony and Lisa on their first days of kindergarten - backpacks and all. And yes, ALL the moms have them! ;)