Hello Kindergarten (Well, Sort Of)

I know you aren't going to believe this, but I didn't cry!
LOL

I've known for months that technically, Bradyn's first day of Kindergarten was yesterday. However, I completely downplayed it in my mind because she was only going to be there for 30 minutes, we were going to have to sign up for a 30 minute meeting with her teacher to take place sometime in the next week, and she wasn't actually going to be attending a class until next Wednesday, September 14th. (I know - it's ridiculous). I was upset over the fact that I'm going to be on course next Tuesday and Wednesday, so I won't even get to take her for her first 'real' day at school. (I'll take her on Thursday and just pretend. I'll also have to play the stalker one day - watch her get on the bus at Westwood Montessori where she'll be for before and after school care and then drive like a mad-woman to her French Immersion school so I can see her get off the bus and skip to her Kindergarten class. Can you believe it? She's going to ride a little yellow school bus every day!)

On Monday night, I admit, I panicked. Regardless of the fact that she wouldn't be there for very long on Tuesday, it really was the beginning of her elementary school career. The dress we had laid out was lovely (albeit VERY colourful), but it wasn't 'first day of school' quality. We changed gears and went with one equally as beautiful, but a litte less 'summer fun at the beach' (although with the heat wave we're having, it probably would have been just as appropriate).

Mamarazzi was THRILLED when Bradyn was fully cooperative for our offical 'First Day Of School' photos. I swear I did not encourage the poses - they were all her idea. I just suggested the props.

New backpack and lunch bag all ready to go .... (even if they were empty)

Definitely Sears model material!

(Yes mom, my garden is still surviving, although I have to admit, it has nothing to do with me. Thank God for Mother Nature!)

"Take one of me holding my dress like this mom"

OK, I admit it - I do get a little misty-eyed when I look at this one. Who the heck is this confident, grown-up kid? Gorgeous!

Proud Mommy....

... and Daddy.

After meeting Mme Broughton during our 25 minutes in Bradyn's new classroom, we headed to the back of the school to check out the playground equipment.

I had no idea that Bradyn had the arm strength to work her way across the bar. She won't do rings yet, but she has the bar mastered. After watching in awe the first time, I asked if she'd do it again so I could take a picture. "I can't mom - I lost all my strength". Too cute. Luckily she found some more strength and did it for us a few more times.

It's funny.... I thought for certain I'd be all weepy and nostalgic over this transition, but I'm not. (at least not yet - maybe next week) Maybe I gave myself enough time to mentally and emotionally prepare for it. Maybe I was just so proud of my big girl that I didn't need to be sad. Maybe I'm learning to deal with change.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Now THAT was funny!