Yup, Leah's at school now. This morning, she started her first of potentially 20+ years of formal education. She was bubbly, happy, excited, and totally ready. She dashed onto the bus without looking back, and has her brain functions switched on to Maximum Absorption.
She wore what a call a "compromise" outfit: a traditional, pleated, uniform skirt I brought back from England and wanted her to wear, and a black t-shirt with jungle animals on it that she wanted to wear. Matthew thought it looked hip so that sealed the deal. She's also wearing a little info card for the first few days, identifying her as a newbie who might need a little help here and there.
A few weeks ago, Leah and I started looking for a cheetah backpack. We almost settled on a backpack with a plush tiger fur print, but it just didn't feel right. So, Leah picked out a purple pack from Tar-jay, then she selected a simple cheetah image online, and I stenciled/hand-painted the image on the back. It ended up being a little trickier than I thought it would be, but we're both happy with the end result and she now has a one-of-a-kind backpack.
We are lucky enough that on our little cul de sac lives another kindergartner, attending the same school, on the same schedule, and in the same class as Leah. The two have been having play dates all summer and get along really well. Knowing Leah will be doing almost everything with her friend from down the street eases a lot of nervousness for me.
As you see, they're thick as thieves. It usually takes under a minute from the time they first see each other before they're inventing new games to play or tricks to do. Separating them takes multiple and persistent attempts.
Three other buses passed our bus stop before the right one made the official stop. We had done a "dry run" the day before to see what it would be like and to chat with the fifth-grader who waits there too.
We all said goodbye to the girls, and they were oblivious. They marched up the stairs like pros, were greeted by name by the driver, and found a seat to share near the back of the bus.
Since the school is so close, Leah's pick up is one of the last in the route so it's at a reasonable time of the morning. Also since the school's so close, Matthew rode his bike after the bus and caught Leah making a successful exit from the bus and entrance to the school. There were lots of parents watching and volunteering, ensuring that the students made it to where they needed to go. Leah's dash from the bus to the sidewalk reminded me of the doctors on M.A.S.H. ducking and running from under the props of a helicopter. Go, Soldier! Go!
And here was Leah and her friend, marching into the school on the first day of the rest of their lives.
I wouldn't expect too many of you to notice this, but I can tell that Leah's a little nervous here. She's got her fingers touching her nose -- something she used to do in conjunction with sucking her thumb. The thumb sucking ended (on account of Leah's own new year's resolution) in January, but every once in a while she still lightly touches her nose with her fingertips if she's unsure of something.
I like this image. It lets me know that she hasn't completely forgotten about home. Wonder if she'll do this when she's entering the building on her first day of college...
In the meantime, it's just Natalie and me hanging out for the day (and Jack, and Matthew up in his office). It's definitely quieter here this morning, and Natalie's only asked "Where's Leah" about a dozen times so far.
