.f.i.r.s.t. .d.a.y. .o.f. . K.I.N.D.E.R.G.A.R.T.E.N!.

March 5, 2005 at 5:10 in the morning, a sweet Elisabeth Adelaide was put into my arms and her daddy and I have not been the same since.  She's a blessing far greater than we've ever deserved and we delight in our time with her.  SO, I suppose it isn't surprising that August 11, 2010 I had mixed feelings about letting her go. But, there are those of you who have been there, and you know all about it.  And there are those of you who haven't, and you can well imagine it.  So, instead of a pouring out of my soul, let me share with you a little recap of the day that Miss Libby Lou first went to kindergarten.  :)  fun day.

The backpack packed, dress and shoes laid out, when she went to bed the night before, Libby was "ready" for school.  Thanks to some hard work behind the scenes, her 24 pencils were sharpened and returned to their box.  That part, incidentally, was not as fun as I remember it from 4th grade.

When she woke, Libby cuddled with me for a bit.  After she was showered, dressed and styled for her big day she headed out to the kitchen waffles.  Her first little surprise awaited her. . .

i must say, i'm really thrilled about the way our new "my special day" slip cover turned out, and my kindergarten baby was pretty excited about it, too.  :)  "aw, mom!  you SEWED that for ME?"  And I know at least one of you will recognize her plate...and remember the fun day we stamped those little feet.  *sigh*

after breakfast we headed out for some traditional "front porch" shots.

and the side shot, to model her backpack.

okay, we then loaded up and headed to school.  by the time she graduates to middle school, i'll drive her to school another 1079 times. and then some.  what a privilege. 

outside the school we gathered with Libby's class on "the blacktop."  the rest of the school did the same, moms shedding tears, dads taking pictures, kids aglow.  the band played us a lively tune.

these two share a special love.  daddy and his girl.

and then it happened.  the band started in with "when the saints go marching in."  the kids began to line up.  it was time to march forth!

token smile from the girl in polka dots.  i love that girl.  she doesn't look as confident as the dude in sunglasses.  but maybe those are to hide his hesitation. .  .?

and now this is a shame.  she turned, she smiled, she waved at her family, and i captured a blurry picture.  a moment later she was in the school and we were on our way.  just like that. *sigh*

From there, Xander and Phoebe and I did some shopping, some baking, some playing, and before we knew it we were heading back to school to get our lovely libby.  we were so anxious we were 20 minutes early.  :)

and here she is, post first day!!  the smile is more genuine than her hesitant ones at the front door...

and there's my girl.  all smiles, beautiful libby.  let's get some sonic!

and let's call daddy and tell him all about it!

 

and when he got home, he joined us for baked ziti, libby's favorite dinner ever (after Panda Express, but when  I specified that I wanted to know her favorite meal that I make, it was ziti  :)  and finished the day with rainbow frosted cupcakes.  they were pretty excited about the cupcakes.  what a special day.

and then, she got a candle on top.  and so did xander.  my kids love having a candle in their food.  as we do with sprinkles, we indulge the burning of candles.  because, why not?  if you don't put sprinkles on your pancakes and candles in your lasagna, you're missing out!  live it up!  :)

and then it seemed silly not to sing, if we were blowing out candles and everything.  so we did.  "happy first day to you, happy first day to you, happy first day dear libby.... happy first day to YOU!"  and just like that, we established a new tradition.  firstday parties.  *love*

the guy loves some ziti.  and he got to blow out his candle.  what a good end to the day!

but there's more!  another first - libby harvested our first home grown produce!

and another first!

at the end of the day we opened some presents, took a bath, and collapsed exhausted in our beds.  at least some of us did, and some of us are about to.  it was a fun day, a hard day, a good day, praise be to the Lord.  He was so gracious to Libby today to allow everything to go so perfectly.  after a day like yesterday (yesterday most certainly did NOT go perfectly) i am reminded to be thankful for little things, like a smoothly executed day, as well as the big things, like a beautiful girl who is growing up to be a fine little lady, who is such a joy that she is dearly missed when she is gone, who brings more life and warmth to our home when she returns, who is embarking upon a most exciting season of her life, and i get to call her my own, as she has been entrusted to my man and me by the great God who made her.  you did a great job today libbs.  i love you, sweet girl.  i praise God i get to be here to help you learn and grow, and i pray you do so most of all in the ways of the Lord.  <3

p.s.  thanks to my girls for thinking of us today.  i was so encouraged by your calls, texts, messages, care packages, and distractions.  you're the best!