Everyone had a different back to school date. That was nice because I didn't feel like I had to get everyone ready by the same date. I was able to pace myself and it was nice. Enjoy our BTS festivities!
Scarlett's 1st Day of School (8/12/14)
I took the girls to get haircuts the day before the first day. I took Savannah so that I wouldn't have to make a second trip to Great Clips. They did great and wanted to model for me when they got home. Later that night, Jeremiah gave them a father's blessing and Scarlett was fast asleep.
The next morning came and Scarlett was SO excited to start her first day of kindergarten! She woke up with all smiles and was ready to go! Eventually, Scarlett was able to wake Savannah and we got things rolling! We had breakfast, got dressed, and took our annual first day photo's. We were off to a great start. Side note: two hours later, Sophia stood up! Assisted of course but she was weight bearing! That's her physical therapist,
We piled in the mommymobile and were off to school. I walked Scarlett in and she was so confident and cool as a cucumber. So many things were going through my head. I couldn't believe that she was going to be at school all day everyday. I couldn't believe that I was leaving her in a place that she knew nothing about. She didn't know anyone except her teacher that we met the day before for a few minutes. She was all smiles and ready to do this school thing. Me? I was trying to breathe through it all and keep a brave face for her. While we were waiting for the bell, our conversation went like this:
Me: Are you nervous?
S: No
Me: Do you want mommy to stay?
S: If you want to.
Me: Do you want mommy to go?
S: If you want to.
Me: Are you okay?
S: Yes.
Then it was time for the parents to go. I gave her one last hug, kiss, and an I love you. She replied so sweetly "I love you, too, mommy." I told her I would pick her up after school and I walked out of that classroom feeling fantastic! I started making my way to the cafeteria for the Boo Hoo breakfast for the kindergartner parents. I was fine until I saw two things. #1, there was kid that had to be a 2nd grader crying her eyes out. Begging her mother not to leave her. It was so sad. #2, I saw another mom crying her eyes out. For the love of mankind, cut that umbilical cord! I finally made it to the cafeteria, met some wonderful parents and then we started to be sad together. By the end of the breakfast, we left feeling much better and happier. We were glad our kids didn't see us that way. Ha!
We get back home and Savannah started feeling sad without Scarlett. I had this bright idea to take her to the park. We were taking selfies and I sensed she wasn't smiling anymore. I asked her what was wrong and she said she missed Scarlett. Truthfully, I did, too. She asked me if we could go get Scarlett and I told her no and explained to her that things are different now. Five minutes later she asked "Now, is it time to get Scarlett?" Five minutes after that it was "Can we go get Scarlett now?" I gave her hugs and kisses and another pep talk and she was finally able to enjoy the park.
After the park we ran a few errands. Everywhere we went, I kept feeling a phantom Scarlett. It bothered me that I kept hearing one child's footsteps and not two. It felt like I was moving too fast and was too far ahead of her. Or, I accidentally left her because she was lagging behind. The reality was that she was in school and this is my new normal. It went from the three of us during the day to the two of us. It was SO hard for me!
3PM finally arrived and Savannah and I couldn't wait to pick up our precious, Scarlett! We were the first ones in the carpool lane. The principal walked the kiddo's out for the first week. I made this video for Jeremiah so that he could see her reaction at the end of her first day. Her first day went great! I was/am so proud of her!!!
This was the morning of the second day of school. When I picked her up on the first day, I asked if she wanted to go back and she said "Yes!" I took so much comfort in that. The unknown didn't scare her. She embraced it and owned it. I prayed so much for her and I have no doubt that the good Lord answered my prayers :o)
I thought this one was cute. On day three, Scarlett came home with homework. Savannah was tired of waiting for her to get finished and got bored.
Hallelujah! Friday came and all of us survived the first week of school! Scarlett liked school and wanted to go back. Savannah got use to not having Scarlett around during the day. As for me? I had to embrace the fact that my little girl was growing up. One down, three to go.
Elizabeth's 1st Day of School (8/25/14)
Surprisingly, there wasn't too much to document. She's a freshman this year and has early morning seminary. For her it was just another day of school. Jeremiah took it harder than any of us. Bless his heart. Two down and two to go.
Savannah's 1st Day of School (9/2/14)
Savannah has been waiting to go to pre-school all summer. Her 1st AND last words were "you don't have to walk me to the door. I can do it myself." And she did! I had to run and catch up with her. She walked in that school like she owned it! It was great. She was excited, fearless, and had nerves of steel! I picked her up and she told me that she wanted to go back. Love this little sweetheart! Her first day didn't sting so much for me because she only goes to school Tuesday and Thursday from 9-noon. Three down and one to go...
