First Day of School Jitters

Getting ready for school has taken up a lot of time this last month. From getting a GINORMOUS list of school supplies, to school clothes shopping, and getting that perfect Elena of Avalor backpack and lunch bag, we’ve spent a lot of time preparing. We can’t forget Olivia’s monumental 5-year-old/back-to-school photo shoot and meeting her new teacher! We’re all really excited around here!

My gal pals and I are going to a Boohoo/Woohoo Breakfast at Cracker Barrel after we drop our kids off at their first day of school. I’ve been having trouble deciding which side I’m on. Part of me feels like crying.

            This stage in life is a BIG one! It means no more spontaneity of the day. My life will no longer consist of planning fun things to get us through the week, at least not in the same way. It means no more sleeping in during the week! The 7:30 AM tardy bell basically demands that I get up by 6 AM, if not sooner. It means homework and being tired and packing lunches. It means my oldest and my first child is growing up and is starting her arduous career as a student. It means that my baby isn’t a baby anymore. So that is why I want to cry; because summer is over, and the years go by so fast, and because I’m going to miss my time with my Livy.

            And yet, there are many reasons to rejoice. It is a time when Olivia will find her first school “best friend.” It is a time for her to meet new people and make new friends and learn what it is to be kind and loving and loyal. It is a time of learning independence, of discovering things you’re good at, and how to work hard. She’ll discover the fun of going to an assembly, play tag at recess, and enjoy school lunch with her friends. She’s SOOOO excited to ride the bus home! I am SOOOO nervous about it, but I trust that it will go well. I’ve walked her to the bus stop that is right on the corner of our street and she knows the way home, but I am also SOOOO excited to see how happy Romney is when we meet his sister at the bus stop every day. He will love having her home again.

            Olivia is more than ready to go to kindergarten. I contemplated holding her back another year, since her birthday is a later one and she’ll be younger than a lot of kids, but I know I’d be doing her a disservice. She is so eager to learn, eager to explore the world around her. I hope school will give her that environment. I hope she’ll always have good teachers who will guide her and help her along, and mold her into an even better person. I am scared for some of the experiences ahead. School can be hard, and cruel, in more ways than one. It can make you feel like a failure, kids can be mean, and to them it seems like the end of the world. But I know that if we can get through those hard parts, they will really help Olivia to grow into a lovely human being.

So yeah, I’ll probably cry after leaving Olivia at her first day of school. It’s an emotional day, but I am thrilled for Olivia. She will do wonderfully and I couldn’t have more confidence in her. I am so proud of the person she is already. Olivia, have a wonderful first day at school! Mom and Dad love you so much, and Romney will miss you, but we’re rooting for you!