“The Days Are Long, But The Years Go By Fast”

 

“The Days Are Long, But The Years Go By Fast”

This is truer than most people realize.  I see this ring true in my life more and more everyday!As most of you know, Bella started full-time kindergarten this week.  It was a tad hard for me.  It was a tad hard for her.Not the ‘going’ to school, because she’s been ‘going’ to school since September 2007.
2007 - Parent’s Day Out (once a week, 4 hours)

She was mad that I was taking pictures.  This was ‘angry Bella’ when she was 2 years and 2 months.  Look at her eyes.  Geeesh!  I still see that look today sometimes.

 

2008 - Pre-School (twice a week, 4 hours a day)

I was 4 months pregnant with Scout in this photo.  Oh how I miss some of those bigger parts on my body, but that’s a whole new post I need to do!

 
2009 - Pre-Kindergarten (three times a week, 4 hours a day)

 

Scout was 5 months old, Bella was 4 years old.

 

Deer in the headlights look.  Nice.  But Scout sure is a cutie!  I look tired.  I don’t miss those days of no sleep.

So, she wasn’t scared of school and I wasn’t scared of her going to school.My issue:  I was going to miss her being gone 7 hours a day, 5 days a week.For 5 years, we have spent most of our days together.  Going for walks, playing in the creek, playing in her pools, baking, decorating, visiting friends and family, running errands, etc.  Together.I’m going to miss her.  I did miss her this week.  Scout missed her.  It’s definitely quieter around the house and oddly enough I miss Bella’s ‘noise’.As for Bella?  She is enjoying school so much.  She always likes to be doing something – a busy little bee – and this keeps her moving all the time.  Her teacher said she had a great first week and is doing really well.  That’s always good to hear.  I’ve heard her teacher had to tell some parents that the rough days will be over soon and they’ll get use to it – so I’m glad Bella adjusted immediately.  That makes it easier for the parent to leave them at school – not being concerned that they’re having a hard day.Anyhoodle – below is a little progression of photos I took on Monday – her first day.  These are my favorite out of the 75 I took.  I really took 75 photos within 30 minutes.  I’m beginning to see why she’s so good at posing for photos. I’m her personal paparazzi! * * * * * * * 2010 – Kindergarten (5 days a week, 7 hours a day) *Sigh*

First thing after Scout woke up.  He likes to be with his ‘Sissy’ while he drinks his milk.  It’s his routine. 

This one she kept chanting ‘First day of school’ – Finding Nemo style!

Daddy with the kids.  He always takes the morning off on her first day of school. Has since 2007.  It means a lot to have her Daddy there too.

Me and the crew!

Almost duplicate of the one above, but in this one Scout has a cute look on his face.

Giving out smooches!  The reason I don’t wear lipstick anymore :o) 
Standing in line at school.  What happened to my baby girl?
 
She grew up!
I blinked.  


I absolutely adore this photo of Bella.  I absolutely despise this photo of me.  Solution ?– crop my head off.  Worked perfect!
(see the tissue in my hand?)
In the classroom! 

Last photo before I said goodbye!
  When the bell rang and it was time for the kids to go in the school, I went and gave her one last kiss and hug (about the 100th one) and she pulled me close and said, ‘I love you, Mommy.  I’m going to miss you.’  I cried.  What an amazing young girl she has turned into!

Here’s to 13 more years of school – and more if she chooses!

I’m proud of you my sweet Bella!  Mommy loves you!  

“Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.” 

Abbé Dimnet, Art of Thinking, 1928

“If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.”

Edgar W. Howe