Lily's first day of preschool

Lily started preschool on Monday. This is the short version (in pictures) of how the day went down:

Giving Spot a hug and kiss goodbye in the morning...telling him she would be back soon.



Posing with daddy in front of her new school, before going in.

Pointing out her locker.

Telling daddy she was ready to go to school now.

See ya after!

After class the teacher has the students line up against the wall and wait until their name is called to be dismissed.

Lily's name was called, so she ran to mommy to tell her all about her first day at school!

Later that day we celebrated with cupcakes...Lily's favorite. Day one was a HUGE success!

Now, here's the long version. Feel free to skip this part...I just wanted to capture the entire day to look back on.

I had butterflies in my stomache all morning, just thinking of taking my baby girl to school and leaving her there. Lily seemed partly excited/partly disinterested about the whole thing. Jay worked a half day, so he met us at her school for the drop off. She was so thrilled to see him there! We went in and she quickly found her locker and put her belongings inside. Then she excitedly said "I'm ready mom, I'm ready! Where's my teacher!?" Meanwhile, the hallway is rapidly filling up with more kids, and their parents. A few minutes later, in what I would best describe as "partially organized chaos", her teacher arrived and instructed her students to use the bathroom before heading down to class. Lily went into the girls' bathroom and Jay and I just kinda stood out in the hall - not knowing exactly what to do. We weren't needed for anything else, but I didn't feel comfortable leaving yet. I mean, I hadn't really said goodbye. Plus, I was basically freaking out about Lily being in the restroom alone. This is what was going thru my brain: 'was she able to get her underpants AND bloomers off, was she able to lift her dress up enough, and prop herself up on the big toilet? Did she get enough toilet paper, wipe good without leaving drips? Get her clothes back on right? Is she scared that we left already? Does she know her teacher is waiting for her in the hallway or is she scared that she didn't wait for her?'

I stood there, working myself into a little frenzy, for what seemed like an eternity. (it was probably about 5 minutes). What was taking her so long? I looked at Jay and said "I'm goin' in". I walked into the restroom , and there were kids everywhere - I located Lily's little blue shoes under the second stall, and called out her name. She replied "Mommy, I can't get the toilet to flush." I had her unlock the door and I went in to help her. Poor thing, it was an automatic flusher, and it was just waiting for her to step away from the toilet. With that mystery solved, I observed my girl - she had managed on her own. So, she proceeded out to the sinks to wash up, and we were out. Her teacher met us at the door, I got a quick kiss goodbye - and she was off to her first day.

Jay and I made small talk with one of the other moms on our way out to the car. Then I got in my car and the tears just came, one after another in a steady stream...I think I could've cried for an hour, but Jay climbed into the passenger seat and started to gently tease me. So, I got a grip, and we went to kill some time together. We went to lunch, did some shopping (looking, no buying)...the time seemed to drag. (sorry Jay) Finally, it was time to pick her up. So, back to school we went. When she came down the hall to see us, she was ALL smiles. First thing she said was, "Mom, I didn't paint, but I had fun. I love school." She went on to tell us about Circle Time and Book Time and how she made a chain with links, and how her teacher said she couldn't take it home with her - even when she asked her AGAIN.

She said she made new friends. "Anabel is allergic to carrots" she chirped happily. "And we had circle crackers for snack, and there was a carrot on my napkin too, but I didn't eat that." (I'm guessing that Anabel didn't either)...

So, the day was a wonderful success. We went home and made her favorite dinner, spaghetti pie, and cupcakes for dessert. I'm so proud of my big girl...

Today is Day 3, and things are still going wonderfully. Lily truly seems to love school, and her teacher says she is doing great. And, I haven't shed another tear!