Sarah Jane's first day of Kindergarten!

Our kindergartner!

Being goofy with her number one fan

With the birthday girl - who did loads to lighten the moment

The full entourage

Today was Sarah Jane's first day of Kindergarten.  She is going to Cragmont, which is also the school I went to, as well as her Aunts and Uncle AND her grandfather.  Familiar territory but feels pretty different to be doing the drop off vs. being dropped off!  Much worse I think.  

At the drop off - I'm wearing sunglasses for a reason

Despite my nerves, Sarah Jane did well.  She was happy and excited all the way until we walked into the school and saw all the big kids and then she got very quiet and held my hand very tightly.  When the bell rang, Ms. Johnson came outside to collect her class.  I pointed her out to SJ.  Sarah Jane assessed, judged all was well, and visibly relaxed.  Her shoulders descended from her ears and she marched inside and helped me find her name tag on her desk.  She sat right down and silently commenced coloring the teddy bear worksheet which was waiting for her.

At that point, I pretty much lost it and realized I needed to go.  Gripping Anna's hand as tightly as I could without totally freaking her out, Aunt Whitney (who had kindly, on her birthday, accompanied us) escorted me out.  When I made it outside I looked down and saw that in addition to squeezing Anna's hand into an unrecognizable shape, I had apparently been unable to let go of Sarah Jane's lunch box, so back into the classroom I had to go.

Not an easy morning.

At 2:15, Aunt Ellie, Anna and I rushed back to school to find Sarah Jane.  There she was, sitting with her lunch box on the rug waiting for us.  Apparently all went well but all I've been able to get out of her is that she colored a teddy bear.  YES, I know that!!! What else did you do???? Shrug.

Finally, right before bedtime tonight she told me they had quiet time and took turns doing things.  She also told me tongues grow.  Is that part of the first day of school kindergarten curriculum or did she just notice it?  Very mysterious.

Below is a set of Sarah Jane firsts.  Time flies!

Kindergarten, Sept 2012

Second year of preschool, Sept 2011

First year of preschool, Sept 2010

Headed off to teacher Bari's, Sept 2009 - this was right after Anna arrived and temper tantrum mode was standard

Practicing with a bag, Dave's birthday in our SF apartment, Sept 2008

Headed home from the hospital, her first trip, Aug 2007