Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The first day of school



Where do I start? In thinking back over yesterday I remember so many different emotions. Sadness that Ashley was in school, happiness for her because I know she will love school and will love making friends and everyone will love her. She is such an enjoyable, lovable person. She will be a wonderful helper in the classroom, so I knew she was having fun. When I picked up the kids from school, the first words were from Rachel. She said, "I missed you Ashley" Little Rachel had a rough morning, crying constantly. I was excited to spend some one on one time with her while Violet slept, but she cried and cried and I could not distract her nor cheer her up. Finally she said she missed Ashley and then I understood. So, Rachel also is adjusting to this new schedule. In hindsight, I should have spent time with her explaining all the new changes. I was so focused on talking with Ashley about the new experiences she would encounter, that dear little Rachel also needed some talk regarding what was happening. Back to when the kids got into the car, the chaos began. Each wanted to talk at the same time about their day. I wanted to hear both so they had to take turns. Then I heard how one got a longer time talking then the other. I do try, you know to listen to both. I also had to work that evening, so I also was trying to glean every experience from both of them. Jacob had a wonderful day. I enjoyed hearing about his teacher and the kids in the class and who he misses from last year. He is growing up so fast. He was so excited about school, but said his day was "okay" Ashley had a wonderful day as well. She said her day went by really fast. She made a new friend, this girl was beside her and Ashley said, "will you be my friend?" and the girl said "yes", so there we go, a new friend. When I asked her what this girl's name was , Ashley couldn't remember. Maybe she'll learn that tomorrow. (that's pretty much how that conversation went) Her highlights were, she got to walk around the hallways in a line, went to the library and learned library rules, her seat is in front of the teachers desk, her mat to take quiet time is right in front of the teachers desk. She loves her teacher and her teacher likes to take pictures with her camera and Ashley got her picture taken. She got to make a puppet, and her special day to talk about herself is tomorrow, Wednesday. So we put some special items in a bag which included: a picture of her siblings, a little girl doll (Ashley likes to play with her dolls), her ballet shoes (Ashley loves ballet) and she was going to include a my little pony, but then changed her mind and said that was enough. The afternoon was a whirlwind. I had a relatively quiet afternoon with Rachel napping and Violet awake, so the noise was a welcome change. This morning getting ready for school still went well. Both kids were looking forward to going. I am wondering when the newness will wear off. For now, I am enjoying the kids enthusiasm and I can't wait for them to come home.