Last year’s transition to Kindergarten was long and painful for both her and I. She cried, a lot. I questioned my decision not to homeschool. I cried a lot. It was painful for both of us. I kept telling myself that the next year would be easier.
The next year has come and I was right. It has been easier. Today was Noelle’s first day. The last few weeks have been a mixed bag of emotions for her. She has wanted to go back, has teared up and declared she doesn’t want to go back to the school. She has been all over the spectrum. I wasn’t sure what to expect this morning.
Around 5am I was outside letting the puppy go to the bathroom. Fog was smothering the horizon, only allowing me to see, barely, the house next store. I walked around, hoping that the fog would be a reason to keep Noelle home for just a few more hours this morning. I brought Cyrus back inside, snuggled up in bed next to Tom and stayed awake, hoping to hear the vibration of my phone with the call that school was delayed. That call came and I smiled.
Noelle was overjoyed with the news when she woke up. We relaxed and took our sweet time getting ready for school. I was even able to put a few curls in the end of Noelle’s hair. She talked and giggled as I gently wrapped her hair around the curling iron. There was a nervousness in her voice as she speculated about this first day. When a curl didn’t turn out curly enough she politely asked me to redo it. I smiled and willingly curled it again. When the hair reached the right bounciness she was satisfied. Her new found vanity is cute and endearing at this young age of 6.
About a half hour before the scheduled bus pick up time she was ready to head out and begin the waiting ritual. We are always early, and I was more than happy to accommodate her excitement on this day.
We took lots of pictures, trying to document another milestone. I did get teary, but kept them hidden as not to upset Noelle. She seemed content, but clearly was uneasy. Many times she commented on her belly feeling weird and being nervous. I gently put my arms around her and embraced her slim body. Muttering some comfort words, but trying not to make a big deal of it. Our next door neighbor, who is in third grade, came out to wait with us. She too, said that she was nervous. Instantly I saw a relief flood over Noelle. She found a commonality with another little girl at just the right moment. All seemed well in the world of a six year old, despite the approaching leave time.
The bus rounded the corner and Noelle clung to me. I was scared she would not let go and we would have repeats of last year. This was not the case. She released her grip as the bus approached. I kissed her and she then threw her arms around my neck. The bus pulled to a stop and she was let go turned and was off. There was not a fight, or iron grip, just a lovely peaceful goodbye. I watched her cross the street and board the bus. I waved and turned toward Tom. We both let a sign of relief as the bus pulled away. There wasn’t a fight, she was happy, and ready for this first day of First Grade.
The day went on, with Tom at home. Last year he took the first day of school off, and we think this will become a ritual so that he can see the children get on and off the bus for their first day each year. Because I am able to be around for everything, every milestone, every cute new word, Tom seeing them get on and off the bus is something we can both share. I don’t have to hog one more milestone!
Secretly, we both think of the that first day Zane goes to kindergarten and we cry for awhile, then hop back into bed and actually SLEEP!!! After that we can do whatever we want, uninterrupted, for the first time in many, many, many years! It’s still four years away, but that day will be one for the memory books! I in no way want to rush it, but also a part of me does look forward to it!
Max asked a handful of times when Noelle was going to be back. Violette asked more than a handle of times the same question. I listened to their disappointment when I gave them the response and it made me appreciate their bond with her. They may fight, a lot, but they enjoy being together too. Sibling bonding reached a high this summer!
Eight legs arms, jammed together waited on the front lawn for the bus to drop off our Noelle.
She sprinted across the street at break neck speed and leapt into Tom’s arms. She was all smiles and stories of a fantastic first day. It was a relief to see her so excited and happy.
This morning the excitement and love for school was still going strong and we had a morning of getting ready that was golden. It looks like Noelle has hit a maturity level of a school aged girl.
I look forward to being a part of this school year. As PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) President I will be at and around the school a lot. My volunteer time in class will not be much, but seeing her at the school will be an added bonus. First grade is big time and we are ready for it! All of us are ready, and I can proudly proclaim my sadness is fading and is being replaced with enthusiasm for growing and learning this year.
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