We Survived Week One!

Lexi's first week of Kindergarten, and our first week of a crazier and more strict schedule, was a success!  Our last two "firsts" come tomorrow (Lexi's dance class) and Monday (Zach's gymnastics class) so there is more new and busy ahead of us, but I feel like we're off to a great start.

Today the weather was beautiful, after a very rainy week, so Zach and I got to walk Lexi to school.  It was a blast.  We hung out during the opening ceremonies and we were very excited that Lexi and all the summer birthday kids got to take part in the birthday song.  There was a lovey sense of community on the playground, and it made me very happy.

Zach and I couldn't wait to pick up Lexi at the end of the day.  We're not used to her being gone so long on a Friday.  We rode bikes to pick her up, and then rode back together.  She had another great day, and we're looking forward to a quiet and relaxing weekend before we do it all again next week!

First Day of Kindergarten

Yesterday was Lexi's very first real day of Kindergarten, and as her mother I must say it was a smashing success!!  It was once again one of those times that made me want to go back in time to tell myself keeping her in preschool until she is 6 is a *very* good idea.  

Getting out of the house on time was a bit of a challenge, but we made it out by my goal time, without my having to rush the kids too much.  My two goals for school mornings are to get out on time and happy (meaning, no yelling, rushing, etc.).  Considering the level of anxiety yesterday morning we'll call it a win.  It was pouring rain, so we did not get to walk to school as originally planned.  Instead we dropped Zach of at Fadia's, picked up Gigi, and drove to the school (which ultimately got us about one car length closer to the school).  All the children and parents met in the cafeteria (or "cafe" as Lexi calls it), and we all sat around nervously eying the other children and parents, all probably wondering how long we'd be able to hold back tears.  Suddenly there was a call for all students to line up, and I looked to see every parent kneeling down to say goodbye to their Kindergartners.  I stooped to give Lexi a big squeeze, fulling expecting her to beg me to go with her, or refuse to let go.  But in a second she broke my embrace, grabbed her back pack and lunch box, and ran to line up.  She looked back once when I called to her, but just smiled and walked away with her class.  I was overwhelmed with pride.  My little girl, who just weeks earlier lingered at the classroom door when I was saying goodbye, suddenly grew up and gained an enormous load of confidence.

Ready to go!

Sibling love.

A "good luck" squeeze from Gigi.

Off she went - and she never looked back.

 I spent the entire day wondering what she was doing, and counting the moments until we could pick her up and hear all about it.  When I drove past the school, I admittedly slowed down and tried to peer in the window, but I couldn't see anything.  Then, at 2pm I got a call from the school nurse.  "Hello, Mrs. Lippman?  This is Mrs. O'Neil, the school nurse."  GAH!!! I assumed right away, and was correct, that she was calling because Lexi had a bloody nose.  This was actually the second one of the day, which was why she called.  She let me talk to Lexi, who seemed perfectly happy and ready to return to class.  Then Mrs. O'Neil kept me on the phone for a few minutes longer to gush about my grandmother (Nana) who she cared for in the nursing home, and my dad, who she thinks is the best guy in the world.  Always good to know that the school staff likes your family!

By 3pm I couldn't wait to see her face, and hear all about her day.  She greeted me and Gigi with a huge smile, and so many stories she could barely get them all out.  The bottom line was that she had an amazing day, and couldn't wait to go back today.  I couldn't be more thrilled for her - she is going to have an amazing career at Thomson School.

This morning she was up and ready to go to school.  I walked her in again today, and we were immediately met by a little girl who was standing with her older brother looking a little lost and nervous.  When she saw us coming she jumped in front of Lexi and said, "Are you in Miss. Sciammana's class?"  Lexi nodded, they both smiled, and off they went together, best of friends.

Day 2 - Cute as pie.

Zach wanted his picture taken too, but didn't want to leave his cereal.



Lexi and her friend Lauren



Kindergarten Orientation

This morning Lexi and I went to her Kindergarten Orientation at Thomson School. All the parents and children nervously waited in the cafeteria for the teachers to come and lead us to the classroom. Finally, Miss Sciammana came and led us in. She had each child take a clip board and follow a scavenger hunt which led them around the classroom. One of the directions was to introduce themselves to another child, and I was very proud of Lexi when she followed that one, and met her new friend Madeline. After awhile, Miss Sciammana had all of the children gather on the rug with her to listen to a story. Lexi did not want me to leave her there, even though I was only going about five feet away, but I did and she was fine. Miss Sciammana tried to make all the moms cry by reading "The Kissing Hand", which tells the story of a baby racoon who goes off to school for the first time, and his mom kisses him in the palm of his hand so that he can think of her every time he opens his hand. It was mean, but I made it through by completely tuning out the story and looking around the classroom.

Ultimately, Lexi had a great time at orientation. I think she is going to have a lot of very nice friends this year. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on her *real* first day of school!!

All dressed up for her orientation!

Ready to go!

Listening to the story.

Outside her classroom

There she is!!

The newest Thomson Tiger!!