KINDERGARTEN!

And so it begins....

I've always heard people talk about how they cried as they dropped their little one off for the first day of kindergarten. I have to admit, I never totally got it. While I am normally an emotional girl, I've never felt the slightest bit emotional about her starting school. And I especially felt no reason to feel that way since she is basically doing the exact same thing as last year. Same school, same time; the only difference being an extra day added. So imagine my surprise when her teacher called out, "Okay, time to line up. Go ahead and wave goodbye!" and I suddenly felt my eyes well up with tears. What the heck?! As I leaned over to wipe the mustard from her lip and hug her good-bye, I found myself choking through my words, "Okay, I love you. Have so much fun!"

Reese, of course, hadn't a care in the world and ran straight for the line as excited as could be all geared up in her first-day-of-school, giant dog shirt (guess who picked that one out!).

I didn't know it would hit me like that. I really didn't. I guess it was just a sudden realization that this is the beginning of so much! She's growing up. Which also means that I can't always be by her side to protect her from kids teasing her about coloring outside the lines (she came home a little sad about that on day two).

So yeah, I guess I now get it. So cry away kindergarten mommas...no more judgement here!

Miss Clairey in her matching outfit excited for big sister to come home.

Other than the two seconds of teasing and mom's tears, the first week was a success. She loves her teacher, Mrs. Franco, and can't wait to go back tomorrow!