Elle's 1st Day!!

Elle officially has first day of attending her new International Preschool behind her and…IT WAS A SUCCESS!! 

Last night, Elle and I completed all of the “necessary” pre-school preparation.  We labeled all of her new school belongings, she took a nice long shower (Elle is quite pleased with herself that she is showering alone these days:), requested a change of finger nail polish and we choose one of her new uniform ensembles, with matching accessories:)!! 

This morning, Elle woke up with PURE EXCITEMENT…”It is my first day of school Mom!!!”  And then, I read a text from my friend Kari, stating that her son Will (one of Elle’s friends) was not going to be there today because unfortunately he was ill.  Elle is good friends with Will and was finding much comfort in knowing he was going to be attending her new school with her.  When I told Elle the news, her eyes got big and I could see a look of panic in her eyes.  I tried to spin it into something positive…”this way Elle, you will be able to meet even more new friends…” but Elle was not buying it.  And then with honesty and bravery she said, “I feel scared Mom.”  I told her that it was completely normal to feel a little bit nervous re: attending a new school, meeting new people, etc. and reassured her that I would not leave until she felt settled in.

When we arrived to school, Matt & Britta looked around, while I assisted Elle with getting settled in.  We met her new teacher, Miss Victoria, placed all of her school belongings in their appropriate spots, put on her house shoes, and found some books for her to look at on the carpet with some other children.  It did not take long and Elle hugged me saying, “bye Mom, see you after lunch.”  SHE AMAZES ME.  Even though I wanted to stick around longer, I accepted my cue and told Matt and Britta to hug her good-bye and out the door we went (Britta was the first one out the door, ready to hop in Elle’s car seat and play with Elle’ baby:)!!!

When we left the school, Matt then went to work and Britta and I came home.  It felt so weird not having Elle home with us.  It is interesting…for weeks I have been thinking, “it will be nice for Elle to get to school so we can get into our routine.”  Or when out shopping with both girls, “it will be nice when I am only grocery shopping with one child.”  BUT then, when Elle was not with us, I missed her; yet another bittersweet moment in my life.  She is growing up so fast…I just want to take in every moment I have with her…because every moment is so incredibly special.

When we picked Elle up, she came running over to Britta and me.  She was SO EXCITED to tell us about her day that she was talking loud and 100mph!  All of her classmates said, “see you tomorrow Elle!!”  And one little girl, Anika, even gave Elle a nice hug good-bye.  It sounded like it was a perfect first day.  And “sadly” she said, “I was really not ready for you to pick me up Mom.  I was enjoying listening to the story.”  Well selfishly, I WAS ready to pick you up…because I missed you very much and could not wait to hear about your first day of school Elle.  I just love you and love being with you.

Oh and on a “funny” note… Elle’s new school requires that she wear leggings, biker shorts, etc. under a dress or skirt.  So this morning, I remembered that Elle needed to wear a pair of biker shorts under her skirt.  When I handed them to her, her eyes lit up…she said, “really Mom!?!?!”  I did not know what this meant, I said, “you’re excited to wear these?” (with confusion in my voice).  She said, “YES- these are just like what you wear under your dresses!!!!”  Then, I was devastated- I realized she was referring to my SPANX that I wear from time to time under my skirts and dresses.  Yes, my daughter observes EVERYTHING I do, and was happy to be wearing “Spanx” under her skirt…just like Mommy:)!!  I love that girl so much.  Oh, the sweet innocence of being a child.

GREAT FIRST DAY ELLE!!!  I am so extremely proud of you!