I cannot believe the is finally here…Emily’s first day of school!
I knew this day was coming and I am filled with so many different emotions and thoughts. I am happy, excited, sad, nervous, scared and even a little overwhelmed. I think about Emily and how will she adjust to a full day of school, will she make friends easily and will the other kids like her, what if something happens and I’m not there or will she remember to wash her hands? There are just so many things to think about when your first baby starts school.
A part of me is still in denial that her big day is finally here and in some ways it still doesn’t feel real. I don’t know why I feel so emotional about this day because everyone goes through it themselves and then again with their kids, but it just happens. I find myself thinking about all the times I’ve heard the advice of “enjoy this time now because it won’t last or it will go by way too fast.” I always thought “Yea okay, I have lots of time,” but now I realize that time really does go by way to fast!
I have been home with Emily from the time she was born. When my maternity leave was over, I worked at night so I could stay home with her during the day and of course to avoid the costs of daycare. I pretty much don’t know remember what life was like without Emily, so to think about her being at school for an entire day is a very weird feeling. Emily is seriously like my little best friend and in a way she is my comfort blanket and to not have her there with me during the day will definitely be tough for the first little bit.
I feel like starting school is such a big deal because essentially your little one now has to gain their independence and won’t have you there to help them or do things for them. I know they have their teachers and teacher assistance, but with a class room of 20-30 children, they don’t have that one to one ratio. I know Emily will love school and it will be something so fun and new for her to experience, but to me it feels like she had to grow up overnight.
I also find myself thinking of the fact that I now have to be somewhere everyday. For the last 4 years I was at home and had no schedule, nowhere to be and could decide that day what I was going to do. Yes I had my routine I would follow with the kids, but never a set time that I had to get up, get ready and be out the door. Now I have to get up and make sure Emily gets to school on time, that I have her lunch and anything else she needs ready and most importantly, that I am there everyday to pick her up from school.
When your kids start school, it really is a life changing event. There is so much involved outside of school and in school and we have just started the 13 year journey with Emily!
As much as I am nervous and worried, I am truly excited and happy for Emily. She is such an amazing little girl and brings so much joy and happiness to everyone’s lives, so I am excited for her to experience school. I know junior kindergarten is more play-based learning than anything, but as many other kids who have been home with their parents, Emily is going to learn so much more. From learning to play with other kids her age, communicating with them and following instructions and rules from her teacher, there is so much more for her to learn then what she has learned or experienced from being at home with myself and the triplets.
I know it will take some adjusting to with not having Emily here during the day, but I hope she has a blast at school and is able to really gain her own independence. I think the biggest thing that will amaze me, is to see how much she grows over the next year, even within the first few weeks of school. I hope she will always remain our sweet little loving girl, who is so bright and caring and just loves life and everyone she meets!
We love you Emily and we cannot wait to watch you learn and grow during your first year of school!
The Baby Gang 