Madison's First Day of Kindergarten

Wow, today was a BIG day! Madison had her first day of kindergarten. Today was a short day, only two hours, but it was her first day there with her new teacher and without me in the building. I suppose, as parents this is our job from the day they are born...to prepare them to be away from us. We carry them in our bodies only to give birth and cut the cord. As the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into months and years we slowly move them out of our beds, out of our rooms and away from our breasts. We send them off to play with friends, to be watched by sitters and eventually to preschool. After preschool comes kindergarten and the first time they are without us for a very large part of the day (for stay at home moms, at least). To me this is the biggest separation we experience as a parent with the exception of them moving out of our home. I think children must be born with the instinct to progressively separate from parents. I think I thought it was just something we had to do as parents that went against what our instincts were but seeing how my child was beaming after she got home from her first day at kindergarten I realized this is what they are meant to do. Me, on the other hand, must not have gotten that memo.

Above is a picture of Madison all ready to head off to school, to begin the phase of her young life that will result in her never being with us as much as she has up until this point since her birth.

Miss Kennedy had to get in on the action. She was very proud of her sister today. As for the flip flops with socks, I'm not sure what was going on there.

We walked to school.

Almost there.

A painting in the school of Mt. Baker. I think her school is very cool, it's clean and organized and the classrooms are fun. The library is really nice, it seems like a great place to spend the next several years.

In her classroom, the place she will spend so much time this year.

Getting right to work. Today they went on a treasure hunt around the school getting familiar with where everything is. They decorated bags to put their "treasures" in.

I wish I had asked the teacher to pose with Madison but it was hectic and I didn't think of it but that is her teacher in the black. She was very nice and Madison loved her instantly. The teacher gave Madison a hug and asked if she was a bit nervous. When Madison said she was the teacher told her she was nervous too and that's all it took.

I hung around just for a bit and then I took my paperwork and left my child in the care of her teacher. Up until this point I had done fine with my emotions, I had been so busy dealing with Madison who had a hard morning of crying and being nervous that I didn't have much time to think about myself (which was a good thing). I'm so glad I held it all together when Madison was so nervous and upset. I thought I was good to go when she warmed up to her teacher and we went on our way. I barely got out the school doors before it hit me and I started tearing up. Then, I looked down at the paperwork and read the first two lines of the poem the teacher sent home with and lost it. I didn't finish the poem but it didn't matter. I cried most of the day yesterday. I just couldn't seem to pull it together. I was so happy when we picked Madison up and she was beaming and told us all about the fun she had and how excited she was to go back. My tears were no longer of sadness but of pride and happiness for the huge accomplishment and milestone she had achieved.

Here is the poem from the teacher:

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and a smile

As you entered my room today.

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay.

You've been with her for many years now,

And have been a loving guide.

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave her at my side.

Just know that as you drive away,

And tears down your cheeks may flow,

I'll love her as I would my own

And help her learn and grow.

For as a parent, I too know

How quickly the years do pass.

And that one day, it was my turn

To take my child to class.

So put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more.

For I will care for her and take her in

When you leave him at my door.

Madison was first in line when school was over.

A little stop for a picture on our way home.

Kennedy found a mole hole to play in so she lagged behind.

Come on girl!

She loves wearing her backpack.

They had homework. Madison was so excited to do it and even more excited to show everyone after she was done. She was very proud of it. They had to color in the letter keys for the letters in their first name and write their names and class room number.

Working hard on it.

Choosing a different color for each letter key with her special crayons.

Done! What day we had filled with so much emotion, pride, fun and accomplishment. This is just the first of many and I know she will do great. She's capable and ready. You are on your way Madison, congratulations!