School day 3

Though I still miss my girl, and wonder how her day is whenever I think about her, it was easier today to let her get on the bus and go to school. That mail so have something to do with the fact that she was less worried about it and actually ate a half decent breakfast too. I am thankful for a smoother morning. I am hopeful this will get easier, and logically have no doubt that it will.

Max even had a little fun at the bus stop. He decided to take his big soccer ball with him. The big boys wanted to play. Max thought that Was a lot of fun.

Something new

I'm trying to figure out how to get Clair to sleep past that magical 4 am wake up. So, Clair tried a little cereal last night. I don't think any made it down, but she was very excited about it. 

Max was with me and excited for her. He wants this picture. He looks like such a big brother. 

Trying to enjoy last few days on summer

Ellie had yesterday and today off at school, before the full kindergarten resumes tomorrow. So we all went to the park this morning, hung out and had a picnic lunch. Trying to let the kids enjoy their last few days together.

It amazes me that once I set a blanket on the ground they prefer to lie around initiate and climb on the playground like they normally do. It Sort of makes me smile.

Kindergarten - first bus ride

This morning I put Ellie on the bus for the very first time. I'm not sure which of us was more nervous. But we made it through without any tears from either party. I believe this is due to the kind heart and leadership of a fifth grade girl in the neighborhood who introduced herself Ellie and told her along, showing her the ropes. I couldn't even see my baby's face as they pulled away, Max and I were standing there vigorously waving at her. Now I wait eight hours, wondering what she's doing and hoping to have a good day. ( tears now)

No doubt my Ellie will be fantastic in school and will have a great time. I know it's a good thing for her. But it is hard to go.

Kindergarten Orientation for Ellie and me

Today was the day that I got to take Ellie to school to meet her teacher and explore her new school. We were both very nervous, but I tried to be an excited as we galloped from the parking lot into the school. 

We found out way to her class, although it wasn't even labeled. We found her locker first and that was a bit exciting.  We walked into the classroom and found her seat. She was very quiet through it all. We waited our turn to say hello to the teacher. Ellie was brave enough to introduce herself. I was proud of her. Then her teacher asked her to do the scavenger hunt, so we did. This went okay, but she was still very solemn. At the end, she got a treasure, which she didn't like because it wasn't pink ( sun glasses).  SHe turned a bit sour on me at that point. She didn't want to talk to anybody and was ready to go home. She saw something that looked like fun so I let her play in there pretend kitchen for a while. And this seemed to turn things around.

After that, she spent some time exploring the library in her classroom and doing some reading. This was a good transition. Ellie suggested it was time to leave. So we left the classroom and said goodbye to her teacher. Then we stopped in the gym and this is where the magic happened. She decided to run around the gym and do a bunch of ground Gentes. She said this is like dance. She loved that room. She began to see the Granger in the school and wanted to check it out. So we did!

We visited the library where Ellie found cool bean bag chairs and a book she loved. We sat down and read together. Then we explored the rest of the school and ended up at her classroom again. We also went to find the art room. Ellie was very exited each step of the way. 

By the time we were leaning she announce this school was awesome and it was her best day ever! 

Here's hoping Monday goes well for both of us as this is all new for me too. 

Ellie fun with self portraits

I had PT the other day. Ellie went with me. I gave her my phone and she was perfect. After playing the cookie game for  a while, she started taking photos- dirt of his sister, then me, then herself. The progression of the self portraits was awesome!

My baby

I love to hear Max refer to Clair as "my baby." He does this all the time and it is so sweet. His love for her is evident in his smile each time he touches her or talks to her. She lives to kiss her and rub his cheek on her head. He holds her any chance he gets. He's a sweet boy who loves his sister very much!