Growing Up

It's Friday here, and we're getting ready to wrap up the first week of school. Avery has done exceptionally well - like, beyond my expectations well. There were smiles, hugs to her teacher, and making friends all before the school even began on Monday morning. I won't lie: she did say she was nervous and she wanted to hide under the covers upon waking up, BUT...I think this was all just an act for us, because honestly, as soon as she got out of the bed, she was in a happy and excited mood. For the first three days, we walked her in, all the way to her classroom. On Thursday, I reminded her that I'd just be walking her to the front of her building, and that she'd go to class on her own. She was very upset about this. I wavered and told her I might be able to go in just one more last time, to show her exactly where to go. But, we got to the school, began to walk into the lobby, and she said, "Mommy, I don't think you need a parent pass; I can find my class on my own." I told her how to ask a grown-up for help and watched her as she approached the counselor. She asked for help to Mrs. Beasley's room, and off she went! She did so great! This morning, she went inside on her own, happy and cheerful. There has been NO fussing about getting ready, no whining about "school again?", and she has come home each day with a smile on her face and a little bit of talk about her day. I'm so pleased. SO grateful! I hope she will continue to love school. Here's what I know so far: She wants to be friends with a little girl named Allison, because she is so pretty. Allison is in another class, but they see each other in the halls. Allison wears glasses. Avery has a class pet; a turtle named Max. Avery was scared of the street light in the lunchroom, but she has witnessed what happens when it turns red, and now she says that she's only a teeny bit scared, but not really scared like before. Oh, and she appreciates the notes I send in her lunchbox, and asked me if I would do that every single day. Of course I will - I was already planning on it!

On the first day of school, this thought went through my head, "She made this so easy on us" and immediately I remembered saying that to Russ and to our family right after she was born. Her delivery was so incredibly easy, and I remember saying often how she "made it easy on us." My little girl...growing up. I love her so much!!