I gave her the biggest hug and didn't want to let go. If I let go then I would have to leave. I didn't want to leave because I wanted to take this journey right next to her, not watching from a few steps behind. I wanted to sit next to her and guide her to make the right decisions. To make the best choices, to be confident and sensitive at the same time. To give her that extra little push when she is timid in trying new things. I wanted to make sure she used her manners and was kind to those around her. I wanted to see the look on her face when she learns something new. I think most of all I was afraid that if I left, I would have to turn around one more time. And when I turned around I wouldn't see an excited little girl, rather I would see a young lady confidently stepping out into the world on her own. It's a big step this kindergarten stuff. For now, I am just not going to blink.
I love the side rolled shoe in the second picture, and the awkward smile in the last picture...that's my Annika!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I wish I could've worn a uniform to school :)!
I'm already thinking about Jude starting K in about 3 years - I'm fairly certain there will be tears...mine, not his :)
ReplyDeleteSome inventive mama needs to develop eyelid tape for those of us who are scared to blink. Hugs to you and the big girl!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that crazy... Eleanor starts on Sept 9th. Love the uniform. I used to wear one very similar... just a different shade of plaid. Where is she going to school. At least you have 2 at home still, you look like you are a size 2 and probably aren't even 30 yet... though you are married to that Iowa Hawkeye fan... that is one strike against you... Emily is going to go with Eleanor. They are attending Montessori School and have a full day pre K... must have been a really rough week when i thought that would be a good idea - LOL... I am really so excited for them... when to the school looking for El and left just knowing it was PERFECT for Em thus why we decided to send them both.
ReplyDeleteOh momma you did very well. You kept composed and together in her sight. She looks absolutely adorable and like a true kindergartner. I wish we could have spent the afternoon together, but I'm glad we got to talk at least. Big day. Something you both will always remember. Hey and since you took a front door picture...I read something cute in a parents magazine. Take a first day of school and last day of school picture of each child, each year. Then in the beginning of the summer you could blog/scrapbook/facebook (whatever your pleasure is) - the 2 pictures side by side so you can see how they grow each year.
ReplyDeleteawwwwwwwwww reb!! they grow up too fast don't they? :) you look just like your mom in that pic with annika!
ReplyDeleteThe uniform is so cute Dan!
ReplyDeleteYou made me get tears in my eyes Reb.
Both my girls are so big!! One going off to school and the other one sending her -- when did this all happen? If you have to "blink", do it quickly -- time goes way too fast, especially with young kids at home. Those years are a blurr to me. You are a great mom; keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks, Abbie, for the compliment! Not sure it is for Rebekah, tho!
Aw...I'm going to hold off on blinking for a LONG time now....I'm sure her being in daycare won't ease me into anything either when the time comes!! Annika is beautiful...
ReplyDeleteWay too scary- Annika was one of the "babies" when I first started in the GBC nursery!
ReplyDeleteA local elementary school has a Boo-Hoo Breakfast for the parents of kindergartners. You join with the other parents to learn about the school while also finding comfort in not being alone!
YAY!!! And she started before she was 5! I know...can you believe it? I felt the same way...I wanted to go to Kinder with J1! He was having so much fun. I thought that having been to PreK I would avoid the feelings...but I did not. The feelings were there, even if the tears weren't for me.
ReplyDeleteI love the paragragh you wrote about wanting to stay right beside of her!
ReplyDeleteShe is adorable! I wish Calvin had uniforms - even my high school girls think so too. Enjoy the next twelve years because they will fly like hours. I just left Brooke off at Trinity - it seems just like yesterday she was Miss M's little pet.
ReplyDeleteAnnika looks so precious and yes Reb the paragraph about staying by her side is so great. I love the uniform too, reminds me of kids in England that I saw going to school. She looks happy and you put on a good show cause you do you Reb.:-)
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