1st day of Kindergarten

As much as I’ve been trying to hold it off, the day finally arrived. Ben started Kinder this morning. Every time I’ve thought of this day for the past YEAR, it’s made me tear up. I figured once the actual day came, I would be a mushy, inconsolable mess. Thankfully, Brian took the day off from work, so he was around for all of the 1st day shenanigans. This also allowed me to go straight to work after we dropped Ben off, where I kept busy, busy, and tried not to think of how big my little boy is!

Last night we got everything ready to go so we wouldn’t be running around like the crazy people that we normally are. We had clothes laid out, bags packed, & lunch made, as well as a note to go in Ben’s lunch box and a 1st Day of Kindergarten sign for him to take a picture with. I set my alarm for “oh. my. word. it’s EARLY!” o’clock, and we were good to go.

I figured that getting Benji up at 6:45 would give him enough time to get ready. My hope was that I would be able to sneak into his room and get him out without waking Gracie. That way, he could get dressed and have breakfast, and I could wait to wake G & N up until right before we had to leave. I should have known that wouldn’t happen. Grace can hear my eyes open, so as soon as I whispered Ben’s name, she was sitting up in her bed shouting, “Is it time to wake up?!” So much for that plan.

Even though I had an extra tag along, we had a great morning. The Lord must have known that I would need some comic relief, because the kids made me giggle constantly. These are some of my favorite quotes from the morning:

Ben: “It seems more like a 2 or a 3 o’clock in the morning.” (As he observed that it was still dark outside).

Grace: “We are waking up toNIGHT?!” (As she, too, marveled at the wonder that is 6:45 am).

Ben: (Once he finished putting on his shoes) “Well, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Ben: (At 3 or 4 different times) “Are you crying?” “Are you gonna cry?” “Are you crying yet?”

Despite Ben’s best attempts to turn me into a basket case, we were out the door with plenty of time to spare for a few pictures.

 

This is the face you get when you say, “No smiling, Ben. Kindergarten is very serious. There is NO SMILING in Kindergarten!”

 

We drove to school, parked, and broke about 16 jay walking and cross walk rules to get Ben to the front door.

The Kindergarteners get dropped off in the cafeteria, so that’s where we headed. As we walked through the school, I could tell Ben was getting a little nervous. He was saying things like, “I’m not sure where to go. I don’t know which one is my table.” I assured him that we wouldn’t leave until he was with his class and his teacher was there. He sat at the table with his teachers name and he seemed a little quiet and serious.

This is when my tears came. I am proud to say there were only 3 of them – I counted. For the most part, I held it together and did my best not to embarrass my little man. When Mrs. Mancias walked in, we gave him a big smile and a wave and we were on our way. We’re so proud of you Benji – you are going to take Kinder by storm!

I found this little poem online last night when I was working on Ben’s 1st day stuff.

I have no idea who wrote it, but I LOVE it!

I wonder what you are doing right now,

and if everyone is treating you kind.

I hope there is a special person...

a nice friend that you can find.

I wonder if the teacher knows how special you are to me,

and if the brightness of your heart is something she can see.

I wonder if you are thinking about me,

and if you need a hug.

I already miss the sound of your voice

 and how you give my leg a tug.

I wonder if you understand

how hard it is to watch you grow.

On this day my heart is breaking 

as  I am learning to let you go.