Today was that day that I both looked forward to and dreaded: Brianna’s first day of kindergarten. I looked forward to it because she’s going to a fantastic private school with an amazing curriculum. She needed a place that was going to challenge her and push her forward, because she’s a bit lazy about learning sometimes, my girl is. She needed somewhere that wasn’t going to let her coast along. She was so excited about going, and woke up early this morning to announce, “It’s my first day of kindergarten!”
And, of course, I was dreading it because it’s one of those milestones that really drives home the point that your baby isn’t such a baby anymore. As if I needed that reminder so soon after the loss of her first tooth!
Because she’s attending private school, there’s a dress code/uniform. I’ll be honest and tell you I’m still not entirely sure this dress (a navy polo dress) fits the uniform requirements, but I figure they’ll tell me if it doesn’t. I had NO idea how hard and confusing it would be to navigate the world of uniforms and rules about clothes, and I don’t think I have it all quite figured out yet. And, just between you and me, I’ve been feeling a bit guilty about sending B to a place that does have such strict uniform rules that don’t even allow jewelry or bright hair accessories. We’re talking about my little accessory queen not being able to wear pink hairbands, bright headbands and pretty necklaces. I’m sure she’ll survive, but still…mom guilt, it’s a powerful thing. And I think it will be nice not to have a battle over clothes in the morning because some days…oof.
So, of course, I took a bunch of pictures on her first day, so what follows is a picture-intense post of this morning.
Now, I have to preface these next two pictures by telling you, I was done taking pictures but Brianna says, “No wait, just ONE more” and proceeds to put on the goofy face. So these pictures? You can totally see how she’s our kid and loves to be silly.
Next we were standing next to the car and Brianna decided I needed to take just a few more pictures. She’s apparently come to the conclusion that the best modeling pose is clasping her hands in the middle of her chest. I have NO idea where that came from. (these ARE two different pictures, but shows how carefully she was posing)
I snapped a few pics of her walking into school. I don’t like these pictures. I don’t want to think about her walking AWAY.
She knew right where to find her hook, because we’d just attended orientation on Friday. She also walked right to the classroom, had no problems remembering where it was.
The class has a class pet, Gibbs, who’s a rather friendly guinea pig. The second thing Brianna asked me when she woke up this morning was if we had any carrots she could take for Gibbs. The blond lady is B’s new teacher, Ms. V. I don’t have a good sense yet of what she’s like, but Josh liked her sense of humor (she was teasing Brianna first thing).
And at the end of it all, Brianna gave us each a hug and kiss goodbye and walked back to get some more playtime in with Gibbs before school officially started for the day. She didn’t seem apprehensive or sad to see us go, just ready for her next adventure.
Meanwhile, this is me:
She looks so adorable in her uniform. I bought the girl’s uniform clothing at Target. They were clearly marked School Uniform so I felt safe. (Now they have no uniforms and look like tiny MTV video stars.)
I love the goofy face. She is so expressive. I hope she loves school. I hope you come to love school too.
Aw! Such cute pics. My older daughter just started 1st. Younger is almost ready for preschool. How does time fly by so fast?!
You have my sympathy. I actually cried on my oldest son’s first day of school. Now he turns 21 in January.
It goes way too fast. Savor each moment.
I never thought I would cry when my son went off to kindergarten. I was going to be FINE, I told myself. I’m not a crier.
But when I saw the school bus leave with him on it, I bawled. Don’t know where that came from, but I know how you’re feeling right now. It’s not about them going off to school–it’s letting go of your baby.
Just know that they still need you, just as much.
I don’t even want to think about how fast time goes. Eek!
And now Michelle has me tearing up again…sniff.
She is so grown up! It goes by so fast. Enjoy every minute.
She’s so beautiful–and so joyful. Thank you so much for sharing these milestones with you!
Great PIcs Angie thanks for sharing. We hope you, Josh & Miss B are doing well. You guys enjoy every single moment & take lots of pics while you can. They do grow up so fast. Take care!!
I know exactly how you feel, Angie! And just have to add…just wait until she graduates from high school…probably the most gut-wrenching moment of my life…watching MY little girl walk down that aisle all grown up. That was 3 years ago and it still makes me cry!
Geez, now I feel horribly old. And I’m not! Really! LOL
Thanks for sharing! B is beautiful and I hope she LOVES her school!
Cute photos! Your daughter has a beautiful smile. The first day of school is so exciting. And I totally cried last year when we dropped our oldest off for her first day of Kindergarten.
My daughter (1st grade this year) also goes to private school with uniforms. I have decided that uniforms are wonderful. We have no fights in the morning about what is appropriate for school because there are no options to negotiate. And she will never experience the anxiety of what to wear on the first day of school (no matter what I chose, it always seemed wrong, and it always bothered me…)
what a great Mommy and Daddy—she looked so excited and happy–a great start to school life…dont be sad be proud of yourselves!–great pics my friends
She has such amazing blue eyes. And that walking away pic & caption brought tears to my eyes.
Totally a bittersweet moment.
And, wow, has she grown super tall! I remember photos of her when she was so much smaller. She’s a beauty!