One last batch of 1st day of school pictures

Because I am VERY new to the blogging thing, I have no idea how to get more than 5 pictures added to any singular posting. As a result, you all get to see all of the following pictures in reverse chronological order :) May I suggest that you begin at the bottom of the screen and work your way up.

Not only did I document all aspects of Emma's morning, but I returned for round 2 after school. Emma will be taking a daycare bus from school to Primrose, where I will pick up both kiddos after work. After the early morning cafeteria scenario, I was a bit nervous at the thought of Emma navigating through the myriad of daycare transportation. Here she is getting ready to lead her fellow daycare goers out to their awaiting buses.

Although the little boy in the red and black shirt is not in Emma's class, he has fast become her dear friend. They spent 3 or 4 minutes hugging one another, finally prompting Mrs. S to ask Emma if she knew who this boy was. I hope this is not an indicator of any future behavior with boys-if so, her daddy will go ahead and lock her up now!

Does this face not say it all? Pure excitement at being able to do such grown up things completely (well almost) independent of her mom and dad

Mrs. S (on the left) was sure to tell me what a great helper Emma had been throughout the day. My heart melted watching them hold hands and seeing Emma look up at her with such admiration. There is truly a special place in heaven for these glorious people who make it their life's work to help raise and teach our children

The Primrose bus has been located and the driver greeted Emma with a big smile. Mrs. S smoothly conducts what will now be the daily hand off ritual from one set of caregivers to the next. Day 1 of Kindergarten is over and Emma (and her mother) has survived. I once heard someone say that having a child is like letting your heart walk around outside of your body....there could be no truer words. I present to you Emma and Andrew...my heart

Yet even more Kindergarten pictures....

There she goes-into Mrs. S's class (she remembered exactly where it was from the "Meet the teacher" event last week).

There are 21 students in the classroom. Instead of desks, they are assigned to small tables with 4 or 5 other kids. Each has their very own name tag, which I am certain will be the saving grace for Mrs. S this week! After putting away her things in locker #15, she makes last minute adjustments to her bow and her pink sparkly barbie shoes before class begins. Have I mentioned just how thankful I am that there are at least 10 other parents in the room acting every bit as foolish and gaga over their kindergartners as I am? The school even scheduled a "boo Hoo breakfast" for those moms and dads who knew they would not be able to drive to work through the tears. I was at least able to hold it together until I got into the car and began driving to work- that is when it hit me

Are you starting to sense even the camera loving Emma getting tired of me snapping her every move?

Mrs. S indulged me in one goodbye picture. Here we are- the two girls. For I know all too well that I will blink my eyes and this Kindergartner will be grown. And now Mrs. S says it is time to go. I believe her words were "little people stay with me- it is time for the big people to be on their way"

More 1st day of school pictures

After dropping off Andrew at Primrose, Emma got back in the car and said "So, let's talk about me now." You gotta love her. We talked in the car about making friends and how to introduce herself to others. Here she is as we are about to walk into the building.

I felt the need to document her every move, from walking in the parking lot, to ordering her breakfast, finding her room, etc. Sadly, what I am showing you is only a sample of her every move this morning. You would never know it from this picture, but Emma had just taken a tumble upon entering the cafeteria line. A bruised ego, but a valiant recovery. She is her mother's daughter, bless her!

I am amazed at the skills required to successfully navigate through the elementary school cafeteria line. This angel, who until now, has had us help her with all meals, is now expected to make healthy choices from among the smorgasbord of options that lie in front of her. I am standing behind her wondering "is she really going to pick that chocolate chip cookie for breakfast?" "Will she know not to get both the french toast sticks AND the toast?" "Will she remember to get milk or juice?" "Emma- don't forget to get your silverware..." "No, Emma- you can not have rice crispy treats in addition to your breakfast".

Thankfully, she was able to share her full name and correct spelling to the cafeteria lady in order to complete her first independent meal transaction- Good grief!

Emma picked us out a good table and we were ready to eat- She seemed completely comfortable and still very excited to get started with Kindergarten. Minus the fall and the sticky syrup that is now on her white shirt, I would call breakfast a great success!

1st day of school

Twas the night before kindergarten and all through the house....

We begin our morning by taking Drew to "big boy school". Today is his first day at our local Primrose daycare center. They issued him a miniature backback and he now thinks he is just as big as Emma, who is starting Kindergarten today. They have both been so excited and Andrew is off in a hurry to see what will lie ahead for him in his "big boy" world

Big sister is watching out for him and is going to make sure he gets settled in properly. She is managing the enrollment papers as I am running behind them tearing up and taking pictures

Andrew went right in without a care in the world- I had to remind him not to forget to kiss his mommy goodbye and pose for a picture with big sister. How cute are they? My heart melts when I see them so happy. And, yes- Emma had a spill in the car right before going to school. I am beginning to wonder if the child can stay clean for longer than 20 mintutes?