The most anticipated/dreaded day has come. Maddie is now officially a 1st grader. Wow! That. Went. By. Fast. Too fast really. Last year when I dropped her off for kindergarten I cried because she would be gone for almost 3 hours. This year it is all day. ALL DAY. We ( well, mostly me...) have been preparing for this day for weeks. It started innocently with back to school shopping. I was good. Maddie was good. Then yesterday we started getting everything put together for today. What outfit she was going to wear, supplies to give her teacher, what she wanted for lunch (oh my goodness....she isn't going to be home for lunch anymore....) and I started getting teary eyed. Maddie would ask me if I was okay and knowing that if I was all crybaby on her, she would start crying too. And I didn't want that. I wanted her to walk in to her classroom confident and happy. Not bawling and clinging to my leg. So I smiled and said I would miss her and was so happy for her. I can't believe how big she is getting. Really. When I look back it seems like she was just Hayden's age, even just Grace's age. I know it is cliche, but it goes by so fast. I took her to her classroom this morning. She was holding my hand as we walked in the door. She looked up and said "I'm getting nervous Mom." I explained that she was going to have so much fun, meet so many new friends, have a great teacher and learn lots of things. As I was saying this I realized I was saying more for my own benefit than hers. I bit my lip once or twice to keep from crying. She looked up at me and said "I'll be okay Mom, Dad gave me a blessing that I would be a good kid!" I don't know if it is that I am an overbearing and overly protective Mom but it is so hard for me to let go of them and let them grow up. To let her have new experiences and learn that life isn't always fair. To be a friend to everyone. It is hard to not be there and watch her. To make sure that she doesn't just eat the cheetos in her lunch but at least a carrot stick or two. When I was little I remember my parents telling me "Growing up is never easy". And now that I am a Mom I am realizing that watching your kids grow up is never easy either.
10 comments:
Oh, I so understand! I just wrote about the same thing on my blog. Tait starts first grade on Monday and I get teary-eyed every time I think about it. It's so exciting to see him grow up, but a little sad for this mama knowing he's big enough to be doing so much without me right there beside him.
You think we'll be like this will all of our kids or is it just because they're the firsts?
CONGRATS!! A first grader, wow! That is amazing. She looks great though...very grown up!
Hey, you said you gave her teacher a bunch of supplies. I just got a "wish list" from Tait's teacher of things she'd like to have (hand sanitizer, kleenex, treat jar treats, etc.) Were those the kinds of things you gave to Maddie's teacher, if so, did you just give them to her, or did you do a cute basket or something? ...just looking for ideas!
cameronskinner(at)juno(dot)com
They grow up too fast. I was more nervous for T.J. to be gone all day then I was when Brooklyn went all day. Don't Blink because you don't know how big they will be when you open your eyes. You are hard to get a hold of. CALL ME
Oh so sad and exciting. I am starting to freak out about Lizzy going to preschool this year and it's only twice a week.... so I am totally with you. Lucky for you that you have two other little kiddies to keep you busy all day.
Hard to believe she was barely TWO when we met you guys! Crazy, crazy, crazy how fast time flies! I am NOT looking forward to 1st grade next year...kindergarten is enough for me right now! Have a great year Maddie! 1st grade is the BEST!
Holy Cow! That was fast. She looks so much older and WISER too :)) I was reading this and thinking how nice it will be when Gideon is in school. I guess when it actually happens I'll probably feel the same way as you. Stay strong!
P.S Thanks for the blog help!
Look at my sassy niece!!! I finally caved in a got a blog to keep in touch with my family! I love you Rachel!!! Xoxo
Madelyn you look adorable and so grown up too! You made it through your first day and I think your mommie did too!
Rachel, wait until Gracie is registering for high school. I can't believe my "baby" did today! I am nervous to start first grade too! But I am way excited at the same time. I hope that I am brave like Madelyn.
Oh- why do they have to grow up?!? I love that I'm not the only one who wants to hide in the backpack & be there to protect them! You are such a great mom & example to everyone Rach- love your kids they are so sweet :)
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