Payton goes to Kindergarten

Payton was all smiles as he headed out the door for his first day at J.M.E.  August 21st was certainly a BIG day in our house....it really does seem that you start this "my baby will start school in...." countdown at birth.  Payton has been asking about when he would start at J.M.E for at least two years...and finally, the day had arrived!  

This was the first of many firsts for our family in the upcoming weeks!

Payton was up and starting to get ready at 6:20.  Sure is early for our little guy.  He already voiced his opinion too...he does not like to get up so early!  Hopefully our early bedtime routine and early morning routine will balance out quickly and become a fast habit.

Little brother was really excited for Payton too and was especially excited to help take him to school. 

After a bit of chaos with parking, we made it!  Payton had already admitted to being a little nervous but I sure can't see any nerves on that sweet face.  He looks like he might be the most excited kid there!  

His uniform has to include white/red/blue/light blue shirt and navy or khaki shorts.  He picked this combo out just for his first day.  He has on his brand new Nike shoes too. 

He did use his Cars book bag for day #1...but, thats only because of a delay in shipping with the book bag we ordered.  As he headed out the door on day #2, he asked me to please take a picture with his new book bag....an really awesome navy blue, Tar Heel book bag...what else would you expect for this kid? 

 As we got to his class, there was one brief look of complete panic and I was worried we were about to see a few tears...but, we quickly got him focused on finding his cubby and his seat and that panic turned back to a smile....thank goodness!  His pre-assigned cubby number is # 23 - like Michael Jordan - so that probably helped out too!  It's the little things!

Selecting that he had brought lunch from home.

He also found his name on his chair and his spot at his table.  He was the first at his table.  While he did assure us that his other classmates did arrive and sit with him, he wasn't really sure what their names were.  Maybe he can pick up a few new names on day #2!  

 Clearly, after a few minutes he was perfectly fine and ready to start his first day in the world of Kindergarten and school.  

I got this Mom....see ya later! 

 Overall, I would say this Momma did pretty good.  I am an overly emotional person to begin with...so, to think there would be no tears on this monumental occasion would be a joke.  I was actually worried that my pregnant hormones would turn me in to a crazy mess.  God was watching out for me....while I would have liked to have stayed to watch him for just one more minute, or turn to give him one last smile and one last goodbye, I knew it was time to turn and leave...and as I did, the tears started to flow. Another Mom we know who has a daughter in the class was walking in as we were walking out...and I couldn't even speak...or, didn't even try.  Once we were safely back in the car, I cried just a little...and then I pulled it together.  My wonderful husband took me to Dunkin D's for an iced latte and donut...Owen enjoyed his second breakfast...and we were all good to go.  

After school, Payton gave me a GREAT report...."It was SO much fun!"  Just as it should be!  He also quickly reported that he had seen Ella three times...once outside, one time in the cafeteria and once in the (never ending!) car pool line.  He told me a little about his class, the library books and that he had sat with George most of the day.  He also explained that in the cafeteria, you have to sit with your class...you can't just sit any where.  He already wants to ride the bus and eat in the cafeteria....and the reason he wants to eat in the cafeteria - "They have chocolate milk!"  My most favorite quote, when I asked what they did during the day, was "There is this thing....called PE...and we got to go outside on the track and run."  There is this thing called PE....yeah buddy, Mommy actually knows what that is...it was just hilarious the way he said it, like he was teaching me something new!  

Day one is in the record books!  He is off for day #2 now...and, we are being brave and really trying something new....he is going to ride the bus home today.  The big, yellow big....and my little boy! 

Payton,

I wish you all the best wishes in the world as you start this exciting journey.  Mommy always loved school.  A few of my friends from kindergarten are still my friends to this very day!  I have great memories from each and every school year...things I can still laugh and smile about to this day.  On top of making new friends and life long memories, I learned a lot along the way....and, just like Mrs. Brown said, learning is a lot of fun.  Especially this year!  Enjoy every single second.  Kindergarten will go by so fast...and before long, your first summer break will be here!

Love, Mommy