First Day Adventures

Lucas officially started Pre-K yesterday and I think it went as smoothly as possible. We had to wake up MUCH earlier than normal, so he was a little tired and crabby as he ate breakfast, but didn't seem nervous--just excited for his new adventure to begin. He had lots of questions as we got dressed and packed up. Luckily, Josh was able to stay home later and help out, so we made it out the door with plenty of time to spare and the whole family wishing Lucas a happy first day! I snuck a few pictures in before leaving--Lucas looks pretty sleepy in all of them. I love his little backpack and lunch bag--a gift from Nana. For his first school lunch he insisted on a Bologna sandwich (YUCK!), and I included a fun note from mommy and daddy and a Sponge Bob napkin.

I didn't get as emotional as I thought I would, but did cry a little as we pulled up at the school. Lucas didn't cry at all--he was way too excited. I cried several times throughout the day (but probably would have done that anyway with all these extra hormones!) Specifically when I checked my email after lunch and discovered this email from his teacher:

Dear Families, I just wanted to let you know that we have had a great day so far! We have played in centers, colored, had morning meeting time, played on the playground, been to our first activity class--music, and read a wonderful story called "The Kissing Hand." Whew! Right now everyone is resting quietly and then we will have snack and a few more first day activities. Thank you for letting us love on your children today. We can't wait to get to know them better and better each day. We will see you this afternoon!

--Mrs. Engskov and Mrs. Henry

This email was an unexpected treat, so I was happy to have the update, but cried about it anyway. Silly pregnancy hormones!

After braving the carpool pick up line (got there at 2:30...didn't leave until 3:15!!) Lucas jumped in the car FULL of energy and excitement--telling us all about his wonderful day. He had artwork--a special "kissing hand" and this fun picture of his whole class (all of which will make it into my scrapbook of his first year of school...I am doing this one digitally and I'm proud to say I am officially CAUGHT UP on the year...of course, we are only two days into it, so we'll see how this goes, but seems to me like scrapping digitally is SOOO much faster!) He was eager to tell us about music (he sang the ENTIRE way home), and about the special treasure chest (which he was not good enough today to get a toy out of), and about nap time (he didn't sleep...I'm sure the teachers were thrilled), about how my little note at lunch made him sad (guess he realized he missed us!), and about how he was never going to college very far far away (this one made me chuckle...can I get that in writing???) So, one HUGE milestone down. Many more to come.

On another note (so I don't forget) my mother told me that in Shreveport one of the local schools hosts a "boo-hoo" breakfast for parents of back to school kids. I thought this was a great idea--so next year, anyone who wants to is welcome to join me for a special breakfast. We may not always be sad at seeing our kids return to school...I'm sure there will come a time when we will be eager for it--but it will always be a reason to celebrate. My mother always made it a special day for my brother and I, and it should be a celebration for the whole family, for many reasons. So I look forward to many more first day adventures in the years to come!