Tractors & Tutus: Mellany's First Day: 1st Grade!

The day has arrived that we have talked about since the last day of school last year. It is Mellany's first day of first grade! It blows my mind that she is a first grader; I feel like I literally just wrote about her first day of kindergarten a couple weeks ago. But, nevertheless, here we are!

We got the school supplies weeks ago, ordered the back pack and new sneakers, attended back-to-school night and met her teacher/visited her classroom, painted her nails, had our official "1st day breakfast" of cinnamon rolls and she was ready for the big day!!

All summer long Mellany had talked about how excited she was to be in a new school and make new friends and all I kept thinking was "this girl is wayyyyy better than me". I was so nervous all summer long....wondering if we were making the right decision of switching schools. (Because of the location of our new home, the elementary school boundary lines change. She could continue to go to her old school if I drove her and picked her up. If we wanted her to ride the bus, she would go to her new school. Thus, we are going to a new school. We also chose the new school because it has a more small town feel and because we have heard such great things about it from our very good friends.) I was nervous about her making new friends and being in a new building and on a different bus with a different driver and for a longer period of time...etc. etc......(And let's be honest, those of you who know me well know that change and I are not friends AT ALL!)

....And then last night came....

And Mellany went from super excited to a tear-filled mess! All of the emotions hit her. (Let me be clear...she did not see any signs of me being less than excited about switching schools. I was ecstatic every single time we talked about it...right along with her). It just all of the sudden hit her that her friends from last year's class wouldn't be at her new school and that she wouldn't see her kindergarten teacher in the building and that her bus stop friends wouldn't be on the same bus and John was out of town and unable to see her off at the bus stop....it was just literally everything that came raining down on her. I finally got her to sleep and when the morning came she was back to her usual self!! Ready for breakfast and pictures and all of the first day things.

We made it to the bus stop in plenty of time and when that bus came rolling through she couldn't get out of the car fast enough. We walked up to the bus and met her bus driver (who is the sweetest lady!!) introduced ourselves, gave hugs and kisses and she hopped on and waved goodbye. And. I. Lost. It. My stomach turned and the tears just started rolling.....I think for so many reasons. We had an amazing summer and I'm sad that she is going to be gone during the day......I am worried about her--new school, new teachers, etc. etc.....just all of the mommy/selfish things. I didn't really have an appetite and thought about my girl all day. Even the boys were missing their "leader".

When it was time to head back to the bus stop, the boys and I couldn't get in the car fast enough! We were waiting at the stop with several minutes to spare, only to wait about an additional 30 minutes past the time we should have (due to 1st day "kinks"). I was so relieved to see her in the window on the bus, then walk off and give me a big 'ole hug!! She got in the seat next to me and couldn't wait to start telling me about all the things at her new school....including how she got left at the bathrooms during bathroom break but that she asked an adult for help and she was so proud (as was I!). She was also so proud that she got off the bus in the morning at school and found her classroom all by herself and didn't even need to use the map that her daddy drew for her. :)

The best part about all of this is that her very best friend Charlotte is at the same school with her. I can imagine the excitement when they FINALLY got to see each other at recess and the waving that happened when they passed each other in the lunch room, in the halls, etc. etc. I think it's not only comforting for Mellany but its so comforting for me too! We are so thankful for our Okos "framily"!!

It's going to be a great year, I just know it. We are so excited to see what the year will bring and to watch Mellany grow and change in so many ways!! She's going to do amazingly well and will be challenged in the best way possible. I can't wait to see it all play out!

First day pics! Including a funny with Johnny....Charlie was still sleeping (just like last year)...