The start of the next 23 years

I have a ton to catch up on, but it can wait.  Today was a big day!!

Today was Kassidy's very first day of Kindergarten! What you say?  You didn't think I was old enough to have a kid in school?  Me neither.  It's crazy but exciting.  Kassidy was so cute and excited for her first day and I know she's going to love this year of new experiences and make tons of friends.  I, on the other hand, had many reservations that I'm sure will take a while to work through.

1.  There are 3 kindergarten teachers at Kassidy's school.  Does she get a Mrs. Anderson or Mrs. Stuart? No.  Of course not.  My princess get Mrs. Throckmorton.  Yes, Throckmorton.  Is it just me or does that name sound like a harsh German marm or a dominatrix? And the teacher insists that the kids say her name and not call her "teacher".  If my name was Throckmorton I think I'd be opting for "Teacher!"

2.  At kindergarten orientation, "Teacher" (he he) tells the kids if they want to go to the bathroom to hold up a pair of twisted fingers.  My smart little cookie noticed right away that it was the ASL sign language letter for "R".  Why would "Teacher" do that?  It's confusing.  Shouldn't they make a "T" for "toilet" instead? Hmmm, not sure why this one bugs me.

3.  The schools here in California are built a bit differently, where the classrooms aren't all connected by hallways and you get to the rooms by walking inside a building.  Nope.  They're all accessed by an outside door and "teacher" says she will not be responsible for our children until exactly 8:10 when school starts.  There's no playground monitor and not nearly enough parking spots.  This means I get to unload Kassidy, Korbin, and in 6 weeks a newborn babe from the car and walk the block to school and wait with them all until the door opens and "teacher" deigns to take her under her jurisdiction.  Sounds fun huh?  What about come January when it pours, not just rains, for 2 months straight? Hmmm.

4.  Today was the longest 3 hours of my life!! Kevin and I kept looking at the clock wondering if it was time to pick up our princess yet.  I couldn't help but worry if she was having fun, making friends, listening and obeying well, and if the "Teacher" was being kind enough and not overlooking my sweet 5 year old.  I'm sure that feeling will diminish on days when I have to shower and feed 2 other kids and clean and run errands and all other such tasks and 3 hours won't be enough.  But for now, I miss my spunky little girl!

I don't know why I worried, when I picked her up Kassidy was bubbling with excitement to tell me all about snack time, recess, and her favorite was how the kids all chanted, "One Jaguar, Two Jaguar, Three Jaguar, Four Jaguar, Five Jaguar!" while someone got a drink of water.  Then their turn was over :)  I love how the little things are cool.  Kassidy is going to blossom this year and I can't wait to watch her.  I just need to put on my big girl pants and buck up!