Avery's first day of "school"

Last week our baby girl started "school". We decided to put her in a childcare program at our church one day a week so that she can have more socialization with children her age. I know I've told some of you this story, but I'm going to write it all down here so I won't forget it. I was really looking forward to   her being around other kids on a more frequent basis, but the night I signed her up I cried the entire way home. Which is so silly because this is completely optional and I CHOSE to sign her up! Chris encouraged me that night and reminded me how great it will be for Kinsley and me to have some time just the two of us, since she will not have that opportunity like Avery and I did. As the first day of school grew closer I became more and more excited for Avery. She loves going to church nursery or to the childcare at the gym and I know she will enjoy school, too. We had open house two nights before school began and she clung so tight to my neck and wouldn't let me put her down at all. I guess being in a different room with different teachers than the nursery kind of scared her. Following the open house we went to Walmart to buy her a lunch box-- this was when I began to lose it! I mean, how is my  baby old enough for a lunch box already!?!? Anyway, Walmart had a Disney princess lunch box and a Minnie Mouse lunch box. Avery, of course, liked them both and carried them all around the store. I finally took her back to the lunch box section and told her she had to pick one to take home and put the other back on the shelf. She carefully examined each lunch box and eventually picked the Minnie Mouse one to bring home. It was quite emotional for mommy. 

The morning of her first day of school I was pretty emotional. I got her up and made her a yummy breakfast- english muffins with peanut butter and a side of grapes. We talked about school all morning and she even let me take her outside for a little "first day of school photo shoot". She smiled so proudly and I realized that my baby girl is really growing up. 

Excited about her first day of school

Proud of her Minnie Mouse lunch box 

My sweet, big girl! 

We arrived at the church about 15 minutes early and waited in the lobby. A friend of ours has a little girl a few months younger than Avery and they, too, were waiting for the doors to open. Miller, the other little girl, came up to Avery and gave her the biggest bear hug and pulled Avery right down on top of her. Avery's eyes were HUGE! Neither girl cried and we helped brush them off only for Miller to go straight for Avery two more times! Each time Avery was quick to stiff arm her! It was pretty hilarious... They are in the same class and I know that they will be great friends.

Avery, Kinsley and I made our way to her classroom and Avery was in good spirits. She allowed me to take her picture outside of her classroom- I couldn't believe it! Then, the second I walked into her room she dug her feet into the ground at the door and began crying. I had to pick her up and carry her into her room (while carrying Kinsley in the bjorn, also). We went and put her bags in her cubby and then I tried to distract her with some toys. It worked for a minute and the crying stopped, so I motioned to the teacher that I was going to sneak out. I wasn't even to the next room down the hall when I heard her screaming for me. I peeked around the corner (she couldn't see me) to find the teacher holding her. I knew I couldn't stand there and listen to her cry so I decided to go on and leave, knowing that she was in good hands.

It was a very strange feeling to leave the church campus without her. I'm so used to taking her to the church nursery or to the gym's child care, but I'm always in the same building. To actually drive off and leave her behind was very strange. I managed not to cry, though, and have my dear friend, Katie, to thank for keeping me occupied that day with a long 4 mile walk with our newborns.

Avery did great at school. They said she didn't cry too long and that she was quiet but happy to play. She ate all of her lunch but didn't sleep at all during nap time. I surely didn't expect her to! I know that it will take a few times of me leaving her in tears before she adjusts to this new room and all of the new faces, but I also know that she is going to really enjoy her time and learn a lot.

My baby girl is growing up.....