1st day of the last year...

last Wednesday, August 27th was Emma's first day of preschool , but it also marks her last year before heading off to kindergarten. In Texas you have to be 5 by September 1st to start kindergarten, so one more year. I can't believe it!

Well, I was a little nervous the first day, more for Emma than me, well maybe for me too. You see, I have a child who doesn't get very excited about many things. When she walks into an environment, even one she's familiar with, she needs to take a few minutes to warm up and observe what's going on. So, I think the first day will be a little tough. She had been asking me to pick her up early (she goes M,W,F from 9-2:30) and I told her since it was the first day there will be many fun things going on and I didn't want her to miss out.

2:30 p.m. - "Mama, thank you for not picking me up early. I had so much fun. We painted our hands and, and, and"....whew. Thank you Jesus for a good start to the school year.

Friday at 2:30 p.m. - "Mama, thank you for not picking me up early again, I had so much fun playing with my friend "B." Another yeah for Jesus, she's made a friend.

Monday - Holiday

Wednesday (today) at 9:00 a.m. - "Please pick me up early"...crying, crying, tears, more tears. "One more hug." Tugging on my shirt, death grip around my neck. Where did this come from?

Her teacher had to come over, prior her off my neck and as I turn around to run out the door, I see the line of parents waiting to get their child dropped off while they watch this moment unfold.

9:10 a.m. - Mama in tears all the way home. I struggle with having a child who does not drop off easy and wonder if it will ever change. It's really not comforting when you leave while your child is crying and screaming and then wondering what all the other mommies are thinking...

So I pull the shades over my eyes and walk quickly (no running in the halls) to the nearest door.