Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Stella's First Day of School!


Stella started school today without a hitch. Well, perhaps a hitch in her Mama's throat, but other than that, all was smooth! I was actually really surprised that once she got all suited up in her backpack I started to get a little verklempt. And when we pulled up at the church I was really like, "Oh my God, my little girl is going to school!" It's not even really school, it's two days a week for 5 hours each time, for Pete's sake! I blame pregnancy hormones:) After we left I definitely got a little teary. Tim teased me, saying, "your voice is husky and you just put on sunglasses!" Luckily the fact I am wearing liquid eyeliner because my pencil ran out saved me from actually crying. I don't want to look like a raccoon!

Yesterday as I wrote her name on all her belongings with a Sharpie, I felt like such a Mom. Seeing her name like that just made me think of seeing my own name on my lunchboxes and backpacks when I was a kid. I know they have fancy labels for that these days, but I was happy to find that a Sharpie still does the job just as well and costs pretty much nothing!

Amazingly, this morning we got her ready, ourselves ready, breakfasts made for all and her lunch packed all a bit early. Of course, I hadn't attempted the trip in traffic before, and we made it right on time. Stella forged on in and went straight over to the table where 3 little boys were playing with shaving cream and little cars. What fun! She gave us both hugs, gave her Daddy a kiss and we left.
It's so exciting that her life is just starting. All the fun and excitement she has ahead of her. I also can't help but think of all the pain and heartbreak she'll have ahead of her. She's so much like me. She's outgoing and exuberant and willing to try anything and approach anyone. Sometimes that leads to people not liking you. And then you're upset because you don't understand why people wouldn't like you. Hopefully she won't have to experience the cruelty of kids for several years though. I guess it's just life and the only thing you can do as a parent is be there for them and show them extra heaps of love. I know that's probably what saved me from complete breakdown when I was in elementary school!

Wow, that was maudlin. Well, I have to go get the 3,000 things I have scheduled for myself to do before I have to leave to pick Stella up again in 2.5 hours. Can't wait to hear about all the cool stuff she did in school!

Yes I neglected to get a picture of myself with her. Again!

3 comments:

shoeaddict said...

I'm a friend of Kate's and I've posted here before. Congrats on the pregnancy and Good Luck, Stella!

She is a cutie. I love the picture of Tim and Stella. That is sweet.

Anna said...

Yay Stella! And yeah, its kind of crazy realizing that a whole world is opening up for them. Its funny, because I think of other kids being mean to Daniel because he's the exact opposite in personality with Stella. Just goes to show that we all want to protect our little ones, no matter what their personalities are.

Kate said...

What a big girl Stella is now, going off to school! Yes, it is a little sad and scary to think of all the hard times she might have in the future. Just love her and focus on the good times. =)