"Brace" yourselves for some cuteness overload from my kindergartner and third grader

The day that forever seemed so far away arrived today; Audrey's first day of kindergarten.   And being that she was so excited made letting her go a little easier.

It was a big day for Madeleine as well, her first day of third grade.

To say she was excited is an understatement.  At 4:30 in the morning I awoke to light coming from the living room and the sound of the TV.  She had gotten up, bringing Audrey with her, and they were watching cartoons.  Knowing that when morning finally broke it would be time for school was too much excitement to bear, making it difficult to sleep.  Needless to say I sent them both back to bed.

Knowing Madeleine, the seasoned pro, is at the same school as Audrey also makes letting go a little easier. 

They may both be in school now, but they will always be my babies.

Daddy's girls.

Walking proudly and independently to the kindergarten entrance.  She has been watching her sister for years and has learned a few things.

Her backpack is as big as she is!

Waiting outside for the bell to ring.

Walking to class.

Hanging up her backpack.

Getting situated with mommy by her side.

A kiss good-bye.

Time to let her go

As I write this I am sitting at Panera with Steven.  We are surrounded by groups of mothers who have also just dropped their kids off, no doubt gathered to comfort and console one another.  I am glad that I have the companionship of Steven today, but I did surprisingly well.  No tears like the ones I shed on Madeleine's first day.  She lead the way helping me to prepare for this day; the day I sent my last child to kindergarten.  This morning I saw some mothers with red eyes and others discretely wiping tears away as they dropped off their first child.  Now I can speak from experience that it will get easier.

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It is now 6:00 in the evening and I can officially say that both girls had a fabulous first day of school (although Audrey is going to have to learn to eat a little quicker because she didn't even touch her sandwich at lunch because she ran out of time).  I didn't do too shabby either.  Although I didn't shed any tears, I had butterflies in my stomach all day and found it hard to sit still or concentrate, but seeing Audrey's BIG smile at the end of the day made the butterflies disappear from my stomach.

Seeing her exit school made me feel a little verklempt.

Madeleine leaving school with her faithful sidekick by her side.

  After school Madeleine had another check up with the orthopedic specialist. 

 

Her big news is that the brace can come off (thus my attempt at a clever title)!!  Her activities will still have to be restricted, but she no longer has to wear the brace.   At first the idea was unsettling to her (and to me as well, but I can't let her know that I feel that way).  The brace has provided her with a sense of security for the past two weeks, but now she has to re-learn to walk without it.  The doctor said it is normal for her to walk stiff legged for the first day or so, but if that continues for 4 days or more she may have to do physical therapy.  We feel pretty confident that it won't come to that.  To be honest, I feel a little uneasy about sending her to school tomorrow because the brace provided me with a sense of security as well.  All I can do is give her over to God and pray that He will cover her with His protection (along with reciting, "When I am afraid I will trust in you". Psalm 56:3 over and over again).

Finally, in celebration of a successful first day of school and the removal of Madeleine's brace, we celebrated at a new cupcake bakery in town called Cupcakes & More.  The girls each got to pick out a jumbo cupcake that they devoured within minutes.  Steven and I may have as well.

Today was a good day with much to be thankful for.  I am looking forward to this school year with much anticipation.  I am eager to watch Madeleine and Audrey grow up a little more and I am looking forward to the many new adventures that await us.