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2.15.2011

another step toward being a big girl

february 16, 2007 ~ China time.  our flight from GZ to Hong Kong, destination - home.
Wasn't that just yesterday?

If I close my eyes during a rare quiet moment in the house I can almost remember her that small.  I can hear that baby babble, smell the baby shampoo and can almost feel that fuzz that we called hair.

And then she comes up behind me, reaches my shoulder with her hand, asks a sophisticated question, and snaps me out of the vision of her being a baby.

For the longest time I even held on to referring to her as a toddler.  But quickly ~ much to quickly for my liking, her gait became less awkward, her speech became more clear, her temper tantrums became less frequent, and I had to give in to calling her a preschooler.

Today I had the reality check that even those days are numbered...


Yep.  I registered my baby (oops, I did it again ~ I mean big girl) for kindergarten.  Be still my heart.  Why didn't my friends tell me how quickly this time before school would pass?

Oh wait.  You did.  Just somehow I wasn't able to understand until it was my turn. 


So many forms to fill out.  Is it okay if her picture appears on the school website?  Has she had any family trauma?  What should the school know about her to help her succeed in her first year of school?  What do I hope she will get out of kindergarten?  It was a bit surreal to me that this day had finally come.  (Don't worry though, I didn't cry ~ today anyway.  I make no promises about the first day of school.)


I think suddenly it was a bit surreal to her too.  She went from all smiles to very serious in about 1.8 seconds when the secretary asked her if she was ready to start school.  My big girl smiled, nodded her head yes, and then quickly followed that with a strong verbal no. 


I think though when the time comes that she'll happily walk right past me into her classroom door without looking back.  She's a social butterfly.  It will be an adjustment for both of us, but she'll be okay.  Me on the other hand?

Well, I'll let you know come fall...

21 comments:

Jenn said...

You will be ok :) I've had to do it 3 times so far and Abby Grace will be 4 times next year. Lucky for me with the 1st one she went to the school where I taught. The boys were not so lucky and now Abby Grace will be joining them at their school next year.
And don't worry...I still call my 12 year old me baby girl sometimes...just not when her friends are around :)
<><
Jenn

Sharon said...

oh goodness...headed here myself....I (think) we have decided that Hudson will start Kindergarten at the public school here instead of the Christian school where he has been at for preschool....many reasons brought us to this (and I will blog about that soon)....my biggest hesitation with sending him to public school is the teasing that I am sure is bound to happen for 1. his speech and 2. just looking different....I hate to say that but Mark remembers so well the teasing that happened to him....I am sure that teasing would happen at the christian school to but there I know exactly how it is handled and how quickly it is handled......BUT.....this is where we trust God yet again and use those times to build character in our children and at times in those people at the other end....Kylie will do great and we will get each other through it right??

Cindy M said...

And just after you and I take our baby girls to kindergarten, I will be taking my first baby girl to college. Think there's even a slim chance I won't cry? Yeah, me neither.

I keep trying to keep this from happening with these children of mine. And they just. keep. growing. up.

Allison said...

Dude. You know I know how you feel!! Also, I am SO JEALOUS that you remembered to take your camera to registration. I completely blanked on that one! I may have to re-enact it.

Grandma Shultz said...

Kylie, you will be a wonderful kindergartener. I'm sure that you will love school and will make many new friends on day one. It is hard to believe that you are almost five!
Love your socks!

Anonymous said...

I am on the same path with Morgan. Even though it is my second go round it doesn't get any easier. I cried like a baby after I dropped Regan off the first day. I was so proud of her but it was so hard to let her go. I know that I will be right there with you on the first day of school this year as well. Just seems like yesterday when I was bringing Morgan home. Can't believe how fast time flies. I am going to be a complete mess when Wyatt's turn comes around.

Julie Shively

Julie said...

It's hard to believe Kylie was once that little! And kindergarten? How can she be old enough for that? It was hard for me to wrap my brain around my niece starting K, I don't want to think about my own kids!

Laurie said...

Oh man, this is a tough one. I remember being shocked that I didn't cry on day one. It took until day 3, when she wanted to walk in BY HERSELF, that I completely lost it. I'll be a virtual shoulder for you to cry on when the time comes. :) She looks SO ready, though, Kristi. You've prepared her well!

Laine said...

I mean really! Could she be ANY CUTER with that one striped sock and one polka dot sock!!!!!!!!

Oh I cannot wait to wrap my arms around her and give her a squeeze! SOON!

Must. Focus. :)

Angela said...

The sock thing...my girls do that too! Wish I had that sense of style! Love the shot of you with her on the plane. So beautiful then and even more so now!

Andrea said...

Well I'm no help with this subject. It wasn't the main reason, but I sure got excited about having LeighAnna home all day when we decided to homeschool. That first year of half-day Kindergarten felt like torture (sometimes ;-)

Nancy said...

Wow, she was teeny tiny in that first photo! I can't believe she is starting kindergarten in the fall. I'll be a wreck when Noah goes. What a big girl!

Anonymous said...

Wow. Time flies. I say we meet half way the first day of school since I will be sending my "baby" to high school and my other "baby" to middle school. As hard as it is, I am really enjoying this stage and have to admit, I don't think I will miss elementary school that much. Hardest part for you is the other 3 you have at home who will be begging to go to big school with their sister! :)

Beth

Lindsay said...

My favorite thing about the first day of kindergarten is watching the kids assure their parents that they will be fine. It usually is the mother who cries because their little boy or girl is growing up. Meanwhile it means you are doing your job as a mother and think of all the cool field trips you will be able to acompany her on and all the things she will be excited to teach her little brothers and sister.

Heather said...

Right there with you my friend. Claire starts this year too. And as I am getting her ready for kindergarten ... we will start all the college prep with Tyler. YIKES! It truly does happen in the blink of an eye. Thank you for the reminder to ENJOY each and every moment - because they go so fast. Okay now I AM crying, ha!

Larry and Carol said...

How can it be time already...Ella as well. Both of you will do great!

Kathy said...

I don't think I am ready for this!! But I am so proud of you, Kylie, and know you will do great. Takes me back to Ian's first day (sigh).
Love, Grandma M.

Glenda said...

Oh yes, you will cry like a baby the minute you are out of her sight. It will be much harder on you than on her. She will be just fine. I'm sure gonna miss the little lady at our outings! I loved the picture of baby Kylie, so sweet.

Traci said...

It can't be possible? Yet in some ways i can't believe she isn't a middle schooler yet?! bite my tongue!

Heather said...

Oh I bet she will just love it! You, on the other hand, will have to just get used to it! LOL I cried on Allyson's first day as I totally missed it due to the fact I was in Kazakhstan. Grant's first day, I totally blubbered and then treated myself to a donut and shopping.....and maybe some chocolate. ;-)

Amanda said...

At least it is only your first one! I do not know what I will do when Emma goes to school. Each one for me has gotten harder!!! I am sure Kylie will do great! Kindergarten is so much fun!