Her First Day of School

Wow, this parenting stuff goes by quickly. That's not to say it's not still difficult, just quick is all. Last week she turned one, this week she started Mother's Day Out and next week, we're going on vacation and leaving her here for seven whole days. She's just 12 months and I feel like she's practically leaving the house already.

I know that Mother's Day Out is best for her. If there's one thing I believe you should equip your children with, it is social skills. Actually, I believe there are lots of things you should equip your children with, but social skills are up there. You know...how to be polite and play well with others. But still, it was a little emotional dropping her off this AM.

I tried to make her walk in the classroom because I thought it would make her feel like a big kid and maybe this Mother's Day Out thing was her idea. Wrong-o. We got about 100 feet from her class and she stopped dead in her tracks and started crying. She knew something was up. So I carried her in and sat her down. She clung to me briefly and then started looking around just soaking it all up. Hmmm...lots of toys, other babies...there's a lot going on in here.

As I explained all of her things to her teacher, she continued to play. We took her picture with her BFF, Matilyn. She smiled a little, but was still mostly observing her surroundings. I realized I left her pack of diapers in the trunk and ran out to get them. When I came back in, I dropped them off and quickly gave her a kiss goodbye because I've read its better to say goodbye then just sneak out. Clearly, an article written by someone without kids. As I walked out of the room, she quickly ran after me. I shimmied out the door and started down the hall when I heard her let out one cry, followed by a long pause and then that signature shriek I've come to know and love. {Sidebar: The long pause - This is Ada's "silent scream." Her mouth is open wide as if she's screaming, but there's no sound. I often find myself saying, Ada -- BREATHE! It can last about 10 seconds or so. Then she takes a huge breath and lets loose.} The one that I know comes accompanied with crocodile tears. I found myself doing exactly what I had just told my friend, Katy not to do. Don't cry. I couldn't help it. This is my baby and she is going to school. Are we sure she's not too little for this? Knowing Ada bounces back quickly, I continued out, praying she would settle down and have some fun.

When I went to pick her up (5 glorious hours later), the teachers said she did great and was going to adjust really well. They said she was very sweet and playful but hadn't so much as laid her head down all day. I swear her eyes were bloodshot. She was exhausted. Not fussy, just tired. She was sound asleep before we even got out of the parking lot.

So I guess we can chalk up her first day as a success. For both her and her momma!

Just before we left the house.


With Matilyn in their classroom. You'll notice we ditched the headband for the less-annoying-and-therefore-less-likely-to-take-off-bow.


Oh, girls! Fun days ahead!