First off to First

First grade snuck up on us. The FIRST day of FIRST grade for our FIRST has now come and gone.

When it came to collecting school supplies, I didn't rush out and do much. I figured there was no reason for a new backpack. I figured she has plenty of bright, new-looking shirts in her drawer that we got just a month ago to get through the summer. My mom generously stopped by one day with some shirts...another day with some shoes...and took Meg with her another day to load up on individually wrapped food for school lunches. What a blessing. Beyond that stash, I think I picked up some underwear and made sure she's good with pants come cooler temps. Not too bad on that end.

When it came to this actual morning of, we had plenty of time to put on the clothes that were set-out the night before, double-knot the new shoes, snap the now-traditional-sign-holding picture outside, and walk up the few blocks. The herding into new classrooms went much smoother than I had visualized. We were able to sneak in a side door, thanks to the kindergarten door being propped open for us. With just a few other students already there, we quietly found her bag hook, found her labeled desk, read other names to guess which friends she already knew, and explained to the teacher that either Margaret or Meg may appear printed at the top of her work (Meg's still undecided and likes using both options). Similar to last year, I said a quick goodbye to her and returned to the other two who were waiting (loudly) at the exit door. Meg showed no hesitation. No need for me to stick around. Just smiles as she took it all in! She's ready!

When it came to pick up, we met her at last year's spot. For this week, we'll do the drop off and pick up. To be involved. But come next week (or possibly even sooner) she'll be walking up and back with Rachel next-door.

One day in and it already seems like we're right back at where we left off. Same familiar parents parking curbside to get their kids. Same hustle to find each other among the crowd. Same routine. Just a longer day, a different door, and a different teacher. It almost feels like Summer never happened.

Post Script:

Seeing her picture on the screen, Meg wandered over as I typed and questioned, "What are you writing?" As my lines got longer, she added, "I guess you like to write." Got me to smile but also realize how much of this blogging/documenting is one-sided from my opinion. So slanted to the angle I take it from. Wanting to make her day a bit more from her, I asked a few quick questions of her first day in first grade:

"What was your favorite thing today?" -the teacher

"What was you favorite time of the day?" -math

"Who are some favorite friends that are in class?" -Tili, Amanda, Meghan

"What was your least favorite part?" -recess
"What are you excited for tomorrow?" -the long day

"Did you miss home?" -no

"What do you want to learn this year?" -"ice cream math" with a scale that levels