First Day

I fell behind on my back-to-school posts because ran into an emotional barrier. This process of starting Kindergarten has been a lot more difficult for me than I anticipated. I'm trying to focus on the fun and excitement and I'm trying to start some new traditions but part of me isn't dealing well with my baby growing up. AT ALL.

The night before the first day we held our first School Year's Eve dinner.

I found this printable banner online but I can't remember where I found it!  If it's yours, please let me know so I can give you credit.

I let Noodlebug choose the menu and he told me he wanted my homemade enchiladas with rice and beans.

The morning of the first day, Noodlebug woke to a new backpack and a schultüte. These cones are traditional in Germany for the first day of 1st grade but I thought we'd do it for the first day of Kindergarten.

I simply rolled a piece of posterboard into a cone shape and cut off the uneven edge. I closed it with clear packing tape.  I tried to use a ribbon border but it didn't turn out well. I glued some tissue paper to the inside of the cone and gathered it up with a ribbon. The cone contained some school supplies and a few small treats like some LEGO minifigures.

There are a zillion free printable "first day" signs online but I fell in love with this one from a kit from Hallmark.

It comes with signs for every single school year.  I'm hoping I can pack it away where I can find it every year!

The first day went off without a hitch and I only cried a little bit.  I took the day off from work so I could both drop him off and pick him up.  It made me sad realizing that I may never do another drop off or pick up.  School hours don't really fit with my work schedule.  I want so much to be a stay-at-home mom but it will never be possible.  That will always be a source of pain for me.

For now, I'm just looking forward to getting home and hearing about his day.