First Day of Second Grade

We won't talk about how I can't believe it's even possible that my little girl had her first day of 2nd grade today.  2nd grade?! 

Maddy was quite nervous to go back to school today.  You all remember that feeling?  I was nervous today too but didn't let her in on that little secret.  She had pretty good reason to be nervous.  She knew only one girl in her class and on top of that, she had a substitute today and will have her again tomorrow.  Her teacher had/has meetings that she had/has to be at.  I felt bad for her (her teacher) because after talking with her at Meet the Teacher Night on Monday, you could tell she was truly disappointed that she had those meetings.  It was really a blessing though to find out that her sub was one of the best around.  Really put Maddy at ease and she ended up having a fantastic day.  She was able to find 2 of her best little buddies from last year (Emily and Connor) at recess and at lunch.  She told me she didn't talk much in class but did talk to a few new people...during "ice breaker" activities.  Ha!  While it is a little sad that she doesn't know but one girl in her class, I think it's a great opportunity for her to be forced to meet new people and get to know them.  It will be good for her. 

This picture below is for you dad.    

I knew you'd appreciate that look on her face :)  She did not want me to take a picture of her standing in line outside her classroom.  So, she stood a good 6ft. away from the girl in front of her and when she saw me go to take a picture, she turned around in line and faced the other way!  That little stinker!  Totally a Maddy move though so it makes me laugh!   And can you believe she had to have a sweater on?!  I liked it though because it made it feel like fall and like it really was time to go back to school.  Not super hot like it usually is and you just want to keep them home and let them swim all day. 

I love the little details of the day.  A new dress, new backpack (her one from last year had a hole in it) and my favorite this year was her lunch bag.  Isn't it so cute?!  We went through 2 last year!  And it wasn't like we bought cheap ones.  They were decently quality ones from Target.  Anyways, I will do what I thankfully did last year and pick another one up when they are 75% off at the end of the season and tuck it away just in case this cute little thing gets well loved like last years bags. 

And, a tradition we began last year-fresh, hot out of the oven cookies waiting for her when she got home this afternoon

Her nerves and upset stomach she woke up with this morning had turned into smiles and excitement by the time she got home this afternoon.  She is very excited for the new year.

Although I wish she could stay little and in my constant care at all times, I know she is growing up and it is exciting to see her do it. We join along with her in excitement to see what the Lord has in store for her this year. 

Oh and one exciting thing happening in just 13 days (but who is really counting?!)-Bracie gets taken out!!!!  I really wish we could have talked the dentist into taking it out last week but we couldn't.  We'd much rather have that thing in the appropriate amount of time and be annoyed that she had to have it in for first day of school pictures than to have him take it out early and have it mess up all the pretty work it has done.  Still though, while these 5 months have really gone by quick, we are ready to part ways (ha! get it??  think about it for a minute....) with Bracie.