Proud Mama

Monday was a big day for Sage. It was her first day of preschool and I am happy to say that her mother did not break down in tears when she handed her precious little blond haired girl into the care of her teacher nor did she lose it when driving away. It's only because I know that Sage will be going to preschool another year after this before heading off to kindergarten which enables me to look at her two and a half hours, three days a week as more of an educational social outing rather than my Sagers making a step away from her dependence on us.

I feel it's important for me to describe her attire since we were too absent minded to remember to take pictures but then again, who ever remembers to take pictures when walking out the door to an educational social outing? Her choice of "first day of school outfit" was a long, green corduroy circle skirt with purple and pink polka dots and a white t-shirt with pink jacket which coordinated perfectly with her hello kitty backpack. One of the first things she told me when I picked her up at the end of school was that another girl had on the same shoes as her so apparently the day was not without drama!

Brent was able to go to work late so he could also witness this special day and he took it upon himself to get her bathed and dressed that morning. When he was trying to get her into her clothes she told him that she wanted to wear her pajamas to which, of course, he informed her that pajamas would be a major fashion no-no on her first day of school--maybe in high school kids would receive such a statement in a more open minded way but definitely not in preschool. Her response was to bolt out of the room. Brent thought she was heading downstairs to find me for a second opinion so he finished getting ready himself. On his way downstairs he passed the office and saw Sage, still in her underwear, sulking on the chair. He asked what was wrong and she said "I feel nervous." Ugh...doesn't that just tug your heart? They had the thorough discussion on why she didn't have to worry and how much fun she was about to have and before long, the two came downstairs and Sage was ready to get dressed. When we got to the school and waited in the line of cars to drop her off, I let Sage out of her seat and had her sit up front with me. She has this habit of talking gibberish in a happy tone when she's uncomfortable or nervous as was the case that morning, but we could tell as well that she was excited to find her friends and see what this whole school thing was about. Our turn finally came and as her teacher opened the door and greeted us, Sage belted out, "Hi Mrs. Hart!!" and off she went with hardly a look back. As we watched this precious girl of ours who suddenly looked so much older with a backpack on, make her way to the class I turned to Brent and said "I'm so proud of her." So much pride. No sentimental tears or worries over how the morning would go for her...just the wonder of watching Sage be able to identify a fear and work her way through it so bravely. Oh...I love her so much.

This morning was the second day of school and once again she was a bit nervous but not quite as much. She seems to like it so far and especially loves the part of getting to see her best friends Sara and Abbie. Clare and I are soaking up this rare time with just the two of us but that time does not go by without her asking "Er's Sage?" (where's Sage?) at least a half dozen times. I've always relished the thought that I (and Brent too) get to be our children's first teacher so it's both a little strange and exciting to be sending Sage off to what I suppose is her second teacher. No qualms though, her teacher is really cool and is very open to Sage's introverted ways. :) So I guess we're officially entering the world of show and tell, class trips, fears of head lice and the scramble to find the perfect snack food for an entire class. It's all so much fun (minus the head lice fears) and I'm completely savoring this special time in her life.