Wednesday, August 25, 2010

It's official; Lindy is in Kindergarten!

Kindergarten, Here I Come!
(sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star")

Kindergarten, here I come!

I know I'll have lots of fun.
Lots of things to make and do,
Reading, writing, counting, too.
Kindergarten, here I come!
I know I'll have lots of fun.
--Author Unknown
On Monday, August 23rd, Lindy started Kindergarten.  To celebrate her upcoming big day, we gave her two books at bedtime on Saturday and Sunday:  The Night Before Kindergarten and One Smart Cookie:  Bite Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond.  Both books are very sweet and well-written.  If you aren't familiar with the Bite Size Lessons series it is a darling group of books by Amy Krause Rosenthal with a cookie baking theme but they are all about life lessons.  Lindy loves them because she LOVES cooking and baking and they use big words and teach her concepts such as being humble, cooperation, trustworthiness, and many others.  The pictures and morals are phenomenal.


No amount of talking had prepared Lindy for what it would feel like to get up at 6:30.  I opted NOT to do a trial run the week beforehand because I felt like she needed her rest and I knew she'd adapt--somehow.  Despite the shock of getting up in the dark, she did really well getting dressed, eating her breakfast, and getting out the door.  She even let me snap a few pictures.

She was definitely contemplative about what was awaiting her
 
 
I am so glad Daddy was there to help with the first day.  I am sure she felt comfort from him in his big hands that I couldn't give because of my sadness.

"Smiling" as we waited in the cry room cafeteria.

At 7:50, we walked from the cafeteria into her classroom.  She immediately sat down and started coloring with the supplies she had left at Meet the Teacher night.  I think I expected more of a formal time to say goodbye but at 8:00 sharp her teacher started addressing the boys and girls and I knew it was time for me to say, "goodbye" to my treasure and let her start this new chapter of her life.




I couldn't wait to pick Lindy up later that day I missed her so much and was so excited to hear about her day.  Despite my finely tuned question asking and probing, I didn't get much out of her besides stories about all the naughty boys. (Ugh!)  She did tell me her teacher read The Kissing Hand and I was so relieved because I had FORGOTTEN to check it out of the library and read it to her.  I did tell her to touch her cheek, though, if she got lonely and missed home.   I am so proud of her for being so strong, brave, and well-behaved and, as bittersweet as this season is for me, I am so excited to see what new and wonderful things await my baby girl.

9 comments:

Jaime said...

Very well written, Lisa. I hope she will have a great first year of school. And BTW, the other night Ben read the book you gave us a few years ago, "Let me hold you longer." UGH...tears. The beginning of kinder is not a good time to read that sweet tear-jearker.

ellieshine said...

Sounds like Lindy had a great first day of Kindergarten. I am thinking I would be near tears the whole day!! yikes that's next year :( I bet Lindy is lovin' being so big and going to school - but maybe NOT getting up at 6:30!!!

DiJo said...

Lisa,
I can't believe how much she has changed in these pictures from her first day of school. She looks like a "Kinder!" I know it was a big day for both of you... She is so special! And, you have done an amazing job getting her ready for this day! I can't wait to hear how it is going!

We start 4th grade tomorrow!!! Wasn't it yesterday Ainsley was in her plaid dress with pink Pottery Barn back pack?

Hugs,
Di

Lisa said...

Oh, I'm sorry I missed this last week ~ it seems as if SO MANY of our Mama moments with our chickadees are bittersweet...but oh my, looking backwards now I KNOW what a special year awaits you...both of you!!

We love love love the Night Before series ~ they have been part of our traditions for years!!

She looked just lovely and ready to take on the world!!!

Football and Fried Rice said...

Wow. Happy Fist Day of School!! Can't believe how big that girl's smile is!! Mya's teacher read the Kissing Hand too - must be a good one!

Have I ever mentioned that I think Lindy & Mya have the same head of hair?? :)

The Byrd's Nest said...

Oh I am so thankful to hear what a great day she had!!! It is so hard to let them go isn't it? I can't wait to hear her little stories and the friends that she will make at school! Big hugs!!!

Amanda said...

I miss your blogging. Hope everyone is well with your family.

Tina Michelle said...

How is she doing in school? I will have to get those books as my little Brijet will start K this year.

Anonymous said...

Also, I was able to reach him in the baby bassinet quickly when he awoke making it less of a distraction to my husbands
sleep as he unfortunately had to be up by 4:30 am.
What makes bassinets so popular is their portability.
These are just some of the many decisions
you will need to make as a new parent.

my blog post: toddler Bed