First days

Bailey started kindergarten last week. I was so anxious and avoided talking about it to keep from showing her how I felt. She surprised me by picking out her outfit the night before.  Bailey woke up early, got herself ready immediately, and excitedly brushed her hair and teeth. She even co-opted Nonnie into getting ready into an identical outfit. They settled into the couch to watch cartoons and Natalie began to whimper about Bailey leaving. B let Nonnie lay her head in her lap and rubbed her back. B could barely be heard whispering, "it's ok, I'll be right back." Sweetest moment ever. Dave, poppy, Natalie and I walked Bailey to the bus stop. We tried to take pictures without making her too nervous, it was a fine balance. I could see the anxiety on her tight face. When the bus pulled up, she bravely marched up the steps, without hesitation, and climbed up into the bus. The driver confused her by making her come back and pose for a picture. It says it all-her somber half smile.  She can eh one with, "good news and bad news." She made a new friend (yeah!!), but she couldn't find her supplies (we had already dropped them off). Such a relief that she loves her teacher and that she feels safe on her new classroom.

Natalie started nursery school this morning. She woke up with a smile on her face, thank God. She and Bailey had themselves ready, and N was psyched. I drove back from work, not knowing how she would be feeling on her first day. She jumped it of the car, posing happily for pictures on her way onto the building. She put her backpack on the hook, and marched into the classroom. It was chaos, crying children, families picking up their little ones. She saw play dough and that was it. She sat right down next to the boy at the table, waved good bye, and posed for a few more pics. That was it. My baby didn't need me, she was ready to be on her own.

I can't get a handle on why these days were so big for me. My kids have been out of the home at daycare since the early months of their lives. I'm thinking it is because this summer was so great, we had so much fun. We did everything on our to-do list, life was good. It's hard to see the end of anything so fun. Boo fall.