It's here...the big "K" day!

Today was Mary's first day of kindergarten. By all measure, a big day. Sure, she is riding a bike without training wheels and is reading and can complete the entire monkey bar set without assistance. No doubt about it, she is growing up. But for some reason, kindergarten feels like a monumental milestone.

Mary woke early, put on her plaid skirt ("my school uniform" as she calls it even though she is headed off to public school) and chattered on and on about school. Our lovable, second-grade neighbor Henry pedaled alongside Mary for the journey to school this morning, showed her where to wait for the morning bell to ring, and left her with a giant dose of confidence. Once in the building, Mary put her backpack and lunchbox in her locker (who knew kindergartners had lockers??) and then sat immediately in her chair and busily began to complete the work placed in front of her on her desk. I bent down to kiss her goodbye, and she playfully swatted me away and said nonchalantly, "I'll see you later, Mom!" So after a swift stolen kiss to her cheek, I promptly left the classroom with a stiff upper lift, then felt those unexpected tears fill my eyes as I stood in the hallway. Fortunately, there were plenty of other weepy mamas to commiserate with me at the PTA-sponsored morning coffee. And fortunately, too, there was Curtis for moral support. And of course, there was Lucy for distraction.

After a busy morning, at 1:50pm, Lucy and I excitedly set out on our bicycles to meet Mary after her first day. We were two blocks from the school when I realized I forgot the key to Mary's bike lock. So, we pedaled home at breakneck speeds, and then I rush rush rushed Lucy back (better than any Marine drill sergeant!) to the elementary school. When we were a block away, we saw some students approaching and I realized that despite our best attempts, we were late. I ditched my bike by a tree and pushed Lucy on her bike as quickly as I could to reach Mary, who was waiting unconcerned at her teacher's side. After apologies and explanations, I was told Mary had a wonderful day.

On a day that reached 91 degrees, the traditional fresh-baked cookies to celebrate the first day of school just didn't seem practical. So instead we made a stop at Staccato Gelato, which is conveniently on the way home. Mary, grasping her chocolate cone, asked me if she could sit with her friends. "Sure," I replied quizzically. And in astonishment, I watched as she walked right up to a group of unfamiliar faces, sat in an empty chair and said hello to a few little girls. I followed, and she turned with a smile and explained that these were her friends from school. How wonderful to see our oft-shy Mary embrace budding friendships so quickly and easily.

Yes, I can already tell. Kindergarten is going to be fantastic. And let's hope weepy mama syndrome is short-lived.