First day of Kindergarten

So it was the first day of Julians Kindergarten.  Alarm was set for 6:30 and when I heard the rooster crowing I popped up in bed.  I think Emory new it was his first day as well.  Never does she wake up with a smile on her face (it is more like upside down smile) but there she was laying quietly in her crib with the sweetest most  content smile I had ever seen.  Together we tipped toe into Julian and daddy's room. (still in the temp housing which has 2 beds. So they made it into the "boys" room) we leaned over and gently rubbed his forehead and Emory then decided to yell, "bababababba!"  Which seem to work better than my gentle touch. He jumped right into the routine we discussed the night before.  Put on the clothes lined up on the bed, brushed his hair and teeth, flossed and rinsed!  Came down to eat his breakfast and ate every last bite. Never in the past 5 years, let alone 12 hours have I seen him so responsible, and mature and eager to learn.  I was so proud! Now all I can hope is that it lasts all year. So after breakfast and a few photos, the Keeton 4 headed for kindergarten.  This is how I thought it went.....

The First Day of Kindergarten

Everyone has a first day
When they feel sad and all alone
It can be scary
when you are on your own
And I know that a first day
Can be full of doubts and fears
But they are full of new beginnings
Take my hankie, dry your tears

You'll find lots of things to do
And you'll probably make new friends
I promise we'll be together
When the school day ends

Here comes the teacher
Blow your nose and be brave
Come on now and wipe your eyes
This is no way to behave

Well, Good Morning, Teacher
We really do beg your pardon
No, Mommy doesn't always act this way
But it's my first day of Kindergarten!

kidding! well, kind of.  Jules was quiet and nervous but I could also tell he was excited and eager.  He remembered the way to his classroom from our earlier tour with the principal and took us right to his room.  We found his name on the wall and Mrs. Cook was standing and waiting all the students arrival.  Earlier in the week at the dinner table we were discussing and making guesses on what we might think Mrs. Cook would look like.  I said blonde and young,  Jules said carmel hair like Ms. Pam, and Dion said brown hair and older.  So the first thing he did when we saw her was looked at me and smiled.  I of course had won, she was a young blond gal with a very kind smile.  He was quiet and very focused on what she asked us to do. We hung up his back pack, put his school supplies in their designated areas and found an activity table for him to begin.  After over staying my welcome I was kindly hinted it was time to leave. Yes, I continued to cry on and off for the next 2 hours. I was emotional but  also excited for my little man. Dion drove off to work and Emory and I had some errands to do.  I think I know why Emory was so excited!  I swear she new she was going to be the only kid for a few hours and get ALL the attetnion.  She was the happiest most giggling baby ever! I have to say I was excited to do grocery shopping with one kid agian.  Our first stop was Trader Joes.  We have been here for officially 10 days but must have been to trader joes enough for her to recognize were we had pulled up to.  Trader Joes has loud music outside in the parking lot.  As soon as she recognized where we were she began to dance from her car seat to the check out stand.  It was almost like she was celebrating her one child grocery experience.  We got home and her excitement continued.  She was rolling all over the floor with me laughing and kissing.  She would bring a book to me and want me to read it to her.  (she has never looked at a book with me, it was like pulling teeth) Eagerly dancing to my singing, learning body parts,  and close by my side the WHOLE time.  She was a new baby! I think we both enjoyed it but were both eager to go get Jules.  When we got to the school they had us wait in the lobby.  All the moms and siblings eager to see and hear about the first day.  When I saw him come around the corner he had the biggest smile EVER!!  I was so happy to see him and I knelt down to give him a  hug (first feeling it out to make sure it was OK to hug him) I got the go ahead and squeezed him tight!  Emmy leaned over and gave him a hug and a long wet kiss.  The moms all sighed and Julian did the tongue in the cheek thing he does.  I asked him how his first day went and the first thing he said was, "there are three play grounds!!  and.....Monkey bars!!"  good to know his priorities for the year. He also said "mom, Mrs Cook looked nothing like I thought she would either"  silly guy.  He was excited to show me what was in his in his back pack and what the agenda was for tomorrow.  He is excited and the nerves have seemed to disappear.  He can not wait to see his new friends in the morning and to master the monkey bars.  Oh!!  And they read a book to him EVERY DAY for the whole year!  Who Knew??  I am one proud mama and even though this may be one of the hardest days so far as a mommy, it was one of my happiest as well (Em too).