THE VANDY KIDDOS: Andrew's First Day of Kindergarten

Monday, August 17th was the day we entered the true world of school. No more preschool a couple days a week, with relaxing days in between. Andrew started kindergarten at Ruhkala Elementary. His teacher is Mrs Ayala. I kind of had the feelings I do when I have a new baby. I was nesting the whole week before, making sure the house was clean, drawers were organized, and we were ready to go. Sunday evening went well.....outfits layed out, some quiet time with Andrew, kids in bed early, breakfast prepared, and a late night prayer/hang out time with 6 other neighborhood moms who were also entering the world of kindergarten. Andrew was restless teh whole night and I didn't sleep great, but Monday morning came and we were ready. Andrew was excited, but a little nervous. The silly behavior came out, which is a clear sign to us that he is a little unsure. At 7:25 we met some neighbors outside, visited with Aunt TT, took some pictures, and then headed to school by scooter. It is about a half mile walk to school, so we are really trying hard to walk or ride bikes there most of the time. When we arrived at school we met the teacher out on the playground. We headed in the classroom and checked things out. I took Andrew on a scavenger hunt around his classroom and daddy played with Luke and tried to keep Allie out of cupboards and from eating crayons. Andrew is very excited to be in a class with his friends Spencer, Lauren, Amarena, Andrew D., and Andrew L. Knowing these kids made it pretty comforatble for him. Andrew was excited about the computers in his classroom the most. At 8:50 we said our goodbyes. The kids were ready for us to go. I kept it together pretty good, but as soon as Lauren's mom Chrsitina and I made eye contact, I lost it a little. I was used to leaving Andrew in his little Christian preschool class at our church, that seemed so safe and secure. His kindergarten classroom is very nice, but he's a big boy now and at the big kid school. He's not a baby, a toddler, or even a pre-schooler anymore, our little Andrew is a big school kid. As we walked outside the classroom Christina reminded me that we had worked so hard the last five years to prepare our kiddos for this day. After we got ourselves together we were able to meet the new principal, and then we walked home. When we got home I had that anxious feeling of "now what do I do" (I still have Luke & Allie at home with me, so I'm by no means bored), it felt so weird, and as the week goes on it feels strange to keep saying tonight is a school night. Andrew has been doing very well the first couple days. He doesn't say a lot about his day when I pick him up, but things slowly trickle out as the afternoon goes on. We are so proud of the boy Andrew is....he follows directions, is kind, and plays great with his friends. We know he will do well in Kindergarten and in the school years to come. It may take mommy a couple weeks to completely grasp the fact that my boy is in school, and just when I grasp it I'll be taking Luke off to pre-school!!

Our breakfast table all set for the morning

so cute sleeping in his bed with his backpack all ready to go...we picked out one of his favorite little stuffed animals (his bear) that I helped him tuck in his backpack. I told him that if he was feeling sad or missing home to take a peek at his little bear friend in his bag.