There she goes…
Breaking our hearts into a million pieces and making them burst with pride all at the same time.
No wonder I was so drained today. It’s exhausting all the ‘heart breaking’ that occurs with every ‘first’.
The first immunisations, the first birthday, the first day care drop off, the first day back at work, the first day of pre school, first ballet concert, first lost tooth, and perhaps the most epic first yet… the first day of school. Today! The place where those big developments will happen right before our very eyes. Routines will change and her confidence will soar.
The night before the big day, you were a bit anxious. You weren’t sure about this whole school thing. I had given you a Guatemalan worry doll and told you if you ever have any worries you just tell them to the worry doll, pop it under your pillow and by morning time all your worries will be gone.
You asked me, “do I tell it to her or just wish it in my head mummy”. I told you to tell it aloud and you held it up close to your face and said “I’m worried mummy will go away at school and not come back.” More heartbreak!
I explained that someone who loves you will always be there to pick you up everyday. You popped the worry doll in its little pouch under your pillow and when you woke this morning you came running out to us saying, “It worked mummy, the worry has gone away!”. And you were so excited. You couldn’t get that uniform on quick enough.
We took a truckload of photos and you insisted on having one with Rio your bestie. You’ve been showing her so much affection lately, more than normal. You talk to her like she’s a person and gosh it makes our hearts sing.
Then it was time. You climbed into the car and insisted on doing everything, all by yourself. Suddenly you’re a big girl with new found confidence.
The P&C prepared ‘tea and tissues’ gift bags, inside – a packet of tissues, chocolate, a tea bag and this poem. I read the first line, welled up and couldn’t even look at the rest of it. Not sure how, but I held it together, for you. I looked around and I could tell that every mum was feeling the same, probably some of the dad’s too. Just holding it together.
While we were waiting to find out who your teacher would be, you found your pre-school and ballet friends and it was then I knew you’d be ok. Smiling, giggling and skipping around.
You were introduced to your big year 6 buddy and off we went to your classroom. You hung up your bag and your buddy gave you a beautiful handmade card. Then you met your teacher, put on your name tag and sat down next to your friend, our next door neighbour. Born days apart, what were the odds of the two of you being in the same class! You smiled and laughed with her and it was time to kiss you goodbye and leave.
Just like that the big build up was over. We left and that’s when the mumma tears started. And good ol dad laughed as he captured it on camera!
Suddenly I was taken back to my first day of school, remembering the girl I sat next to crossed legged on the classroom floor. We’re still bff’s today and she was maid of honour at our wedding. Your Auntie Shell Bell.
Now it’s your turn to create those friendships and precious memories my little one.
So my girl… learn, play, read, listen, create, sing, laugh {always laugh} and continue to be who and how you are.
You can be whatever you want to be baby girl… Go ahead and paint the sky!
Oh my god I’m crying!!! That little note got me started and then thinking about the lifelong friendships, the massive milestones, the life changing events that happen at school. It really is SUCH a big deal. My baby is only 19 months old and this post has got me teary about saying goodbye already!! DAMN YOU SHANNON!!!
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Aww… sorry to make you cry lovely. Soak up every moment with your little Thud. Xx
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Shannon, what a beautiful account of Maisie’s first day of school. When I am with you and you notice when I have ‘that’ far-a-way look, I am thinking of how you grew up, all of the special moments you gave me, as you are still giving them to me now. I am forcing myself to write this through teary eyes. As Lauren said, damn you Shannon!
I love you with all my heart! xxx
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Aww. Beautiful Dad. Love you tonnes. Xx
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Oh how sweet! Those are lovely photos and incredible memories. We haven’t been fortunate to have children, but I do work at a school. The tinys have always tugged at my heart – the mix of bravery and the moments of aching tenderness.
I hope she came home with an incredible report and that days continue to roll without major hiccups 😉
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Thank you lovely. Day 3 and shes already lost her hat but she’s happy and loving it so far. Xx
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Huge moment. I feel like H starting preschool is a big moment. I can’t imagine how I will feel when he’s starting school. I am so pleased she did so well and was so happy. That little poem is thoughtful and cruel all at the same time… just when you thought you could keep it together they give you that to read!! My eyes are brimming at what’s to come! Jx
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it is huge isn’t it! Just soak up every second with little H Jess. He will be graduating Pre-school in the blink of an eye. xx
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This is so beautiful Shannon! What a beautiful (and very clever) gesture the “tea and tissue” gift bags were! I hope she enjoyed her first week at school!
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Thank you lovely. Xx
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You brought back so many memories from 9 years ago, when I went through the exact same thing. Hold on to those precious memories, Shannon, the time passes oh so quickly! So glad she had a great first week at school.
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Thank you Di! Blink of an eye right? Seems like yesterday we brought her home from hospital. Just crazy how quick it goes. Xx
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Oh wow, what a beautiful post! Love your photos and sweet words!
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Thank you Laney! Xx
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Beautiful post! The first day was such a emotional day wasn’t it? I wasn’t sad but just so damn happy for Archer. And not to mention how ridiculously cute they look in their uniforms! So much to look forward to now with hearing about their day, new friends and more social activities!!
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Thanks Fleur. Yes so much to look forward to, watching them soar!
They all look too cute in their uniforms. It’s like they shrink because the uniform is so huge on them, but they look so grown up at the same time! Fun times ahead! Xx
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Oh my god, that was beautiful. I’m all a bit teary. The go away to school and not come back question broke my heart. Glad her first week went well though.
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Thanks Karin! And sorry to make you teary 😉
She woke this morning (sat) asking if she could go to school, so that’s a good sign! Hoping the novelty doesn’t wear of… Ever! Xx
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That was so beautiful, Shannon, but I wish you’d warned me that I would need tissues. Good on you with the Guatemalan worry dolls, I think they work a treat. So pleased that your girl had such a super start at school, onwards and upwards!
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Thanks lovely. And sorry to make you teary. Xx
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