Kate starts kindergarten tomorrow.
It’s a milestone that’s had me simultaneously hyperventilating, cold sweating, and Googling “living off the grid” since the day she was born.
And now it’s here.
We’ve been prepping her for the big 5K all summer long, including enrolling her in “Kindergarten Camp” at the elementary school in our new town. It’s been a wonderful resource to help her get familiar with the school building, her future classmates, and teachers. One teacher in particular has had Kate really looking forward to her first day of kindergarten, and her name is Mrs. Stein.
All summer long, whenever we talk about the upcoming school year Kate says, “I hope I’m in Mrs. Stein’s class.”
To our surprise, about a week ago Kate received a “Welcome to Kindergarten” card in the mail. She opened it, recognized Mrs. Stein’s name instantly, and started squealing with delight, jumping and cheering, “I’m in Mrs. Stein’s class!! I’m in Mrs. Stein’s class!! Let’s have a party to celebrate! I’ll put out the party soap.”
(She’s developed a thing for decorative soap this summer.)
With her party soap in place, she promptly decided her next order of business was to write Mrs. Stein back with a postcard (she’s also developed a thing for postcards) saying:
Dear Mrs. Stein,
I’m so excited to be your kindergartener!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (<–all the exclamation points)
From Kate Rogers
And now it’s my turn.
Dear Mrs. Stein,
Thank you so much for helping my little girl feel comfortable and excited about starting school tomorrow. It truly means the world to me. I’m sure you’re no stranger to handling overly emotional parents on the first day of kindergarten, so I won’t bother you with anxiety-ridden word vomit. Just nod in the general direction of the cubbie that contains the Xanax and I’ll try to leave the premises.
Sincerely, Kate’s Mom
Such an exciting time! Sounds like she’ll do great! I know I’ll be going even though we’re doing a second year of preschool this year. Last year I got a “bye mom, I know you’ll come back for me” as he ran off.
Oh my goodness Ashley, that is the cutest thing! Last night at bedtime Kate picked out the book “Llama Llama Misses Mama” (about a little llama’s first day of school, missing mama, and how mama comes back at the end of the day). Your son’s comment totally reminds me of that story. So adorable. Good luck with your little guy’s first day!
Hope she has a great first day & hope you take some time to do something just for yourself. It does get easier- and when they love school it is fun to see their joy & hear about their new adventures!
Thank you so much, Lynne! She had a great drop off this morning – no worries or tears at all! (On her end.) It was such a relief to see. Crossing my fingers she has a wonderful day and is excited to return tomorrow – and every day for the next 13 years!
Congrats on getting Kate off to school, Dusty! I want to say it gets easier, but every year it makes me sad to see my baby keep growing up and needing me less and less. Lauren started 4th grade today. Hang in there!!
Is this Pam from The Knot? Oh my goodness, I can’t believe Lauren is in 4th grade already!! I swear we all just got married like two weeks ago. I hope Lauren is having a great start to her school year!
Yes…those were the days, huh?? Time is going way too fast. Best of luck on your new home. I can’t wait to see how it turns out…I know it will be stunning. We just remodeled our kitchen, living room and master bath last summer and it was the best decision ever! Good luck…I know all those decisions get stressful.
I thought so!! So wonderful to hear from you! And thank you for the well wishes on the house. We’re having a lot of fun with it so far, and it’s so thrilling to see it all come together. I bet your remodel looks amazing! Good for you for treating yourselves to some new spaces – that’s so exciting!!
The anxiety never ends! My baby is starting his first day of school as a university professor today. I told him to take a “1st day of school” picture and send it to his Mom!
I literally laughed out loud to this, Connie! Love it!! Did he send you a pic? (Please say yes, please say yes…)
I am happy to report that he did send me the picture! And one of his classroom full of desks awaiting his students. And being the good son that he is, he commented on the length of his hair and the need for a haircut! I guess Mom is never far away even when separated by 778 miles!
Awww…love that, Connie! So sweet to hear. Sounds like the two of you have a wonderful relationship!
My eyes are full of tears as I read this…..I’ve been reading your blog. for as long as I can remember. I’ve watched Kate grow since she was a little baby and now she is off to school
Oh my how the yrs. will fly by……more wine please
Hope she had the perfect day
You are so sweet, Debbie – thank you! I am so relieved to say she had a wonderful first day of school (and her mom made it through sans Xanax). I posted about it here: Kate’s First Day of Kindergarten. Thank you so much for following along with us through these years, and cheering on my little girl as she grows.
This is priceless. I totally remember my son’s first day at school – how happy he was – and the large amount of tears I cried after that bus pulled away. It is engrained in my mind forever. I truly hope Kate ahs a fantastic year with Mrs. Stein. And it’s totally cool to be emotional – it’s the beginning of a wonderful journey for all of you :):)
You are so sweet, Diane – thank you! It was a memorable day for sure. And, like you said, the beginning of a wonderful journey. So proud of our little girl!