First Day of School

Ok - so really it was Maddie's first day at daycare, but her center is so much like a school, that's what we call it (plus, it makes me feel better to say school). We packed her bag last night, put her favorite stuffed animal - a giraffe that plays lullabies, and a blanket that we used this weekend - so that it smells like home. I fixed her three bottles (she's only going a half day), but we all know that food is her comfort. Packed some extra outfits, and then a few more extra outfits (because if you've ever sat behind us in church, you already know that these might be necessary). I filled out all of her forms, picked our her outfit for her first day and we went to bed early. We laid in bed last night and talked about all of the fun she was going to have today. All of the new friends she would make, and how much fun she would have with Mrs. Courtney, her teacher. We said our prayers, and went to sleep.

We also got up early this morning, really early for Mommy - about 5:45 a.m. and Daddy basically had to make me get up (Me: I NEED a few more minutes). Everyone got dressed, had breakfast and we left for school. Both Mommy and Daddy took Maddie this morning (typical first time parents - right?) and here's the outcome - she LOVED it! She remembered Mrs. Courtney and smiled ever so big when she saw her - she couldn't get over how much Maddie had grown and how big she was! She eyed her room and all of the toys, fun carpets, climbing centers - you could just see her wheels spinning thinking about all of the fun she was going to have. Mrs. Courtney had a big bear cutout on the wall, dressed ever so cutely, and labeled with Maddie's name. They also had her crib all ready to go for naptime and labeled with Maddie's name. Mommy put her blanket and her favorite giraffe in the crib, so when nap time comes, she'll have a piece of home to snuggle with. When the first child came in, another little girl, Maddie greeted her with a huge grin - the other child was still sleepy though, and has been battling a cold, and was not so happy to be there. Didn't bother Maddie one bit. While Mommy and Daddy put her things away - Maddie was already busy playing on the floor. When it came time to say goodbye - we literally had to make Maddie give us love and say goodbye - she was too busy surveying her surroundings and playing to really cuddle. On our way out the door, Mike said - we don't have to worry about Maddie - she's already forgotten all about us! And to an extent - I think that's a little true. We might be worried about her, but I think that she is really going to enjoy this. It made me flashback to my own childhood and all of the times that I had probably upset my parents just a little. I was always the kid eager to go away on my own - I was the kid at camp who was eager to say goodbye to my parents and then I cried at the end of the week when it was time to go home. I think I got a sip of my own medicine this morning, when I had to make Maddie say goodbye while the other kiddies were cuddling with their parents, none too eager to say goodbye. That may have been a small glimpse into my future - and then again, maybe not. We'll see. I'm glad that she was happy there. It makes leaving her and going to work a lot easier, knowing that she is happy and well taken care of.

Anyway, she is only going for half a day all this week. My sister Maggie is going to pick her up at noon each day. So it will be a gradual schedule change. Looking forward to a full report this afternoon!