Claire's First Day of Preschool

This morning greeted us with a beautiful sunrise which was one of the first things I saw as I woke up and prayed that Claire's first day would be a good one.

There were several delay tactics and two small toddler fits about not wanting to eat breakfast and not wanting to get dressed, but once her clothes were on she was all smiles from then on!

Here she is, all packed up and ready for the big day.  She picked out her backpack and lunchbox.  She loved that it had polka dots on it.  I found her dress on etsy and just fell in love with it, and everyone will know her name as an added bonus! 

She was dancing here, so her hands look silly, but I love her expression...

This one makes my heart drop...all ready to go...

We love you Claire!

Ready to load the car!  It's time for school!

There is a lot to carry.  Backpack, lunchbox and nap mat.

Here we go...

They had the photo set up ready to go for the first day pictures!

We loaded up her cubby with her things, signed her in.

We gave her hugs and kisses and just like that she was done...she walked right into her class (which I desperately wanted to follow her into and make sure she was comfortable, knew what to do and where to go, etc, etc).  

It was clear that the parents were supposed to say goodbye at the door....deep breath, big gulp, holding back some tears, and eyes swelling I waved goodbye and told her to have fun.  It was HARD, very hard.  I have never left her anywhere other than with my parents or Kevin's parents.  But she was doing great.  Smiling and happy and watching the other kids.  Oh how I wish I could be a fly on the wall to see how she acts with the other kids...and see what nap time brings, oh my! I can only imagine.

I came home to a strangely quiet house where I saw the mess that is our home for the first time in months.  Toys consuming all open space, walls lined with kid stuff, dirty dishes, piles of laundry, bills to be paid, mail to sort, shoes strewn about.  I am so busy I really don't even see it anymore.  WOW!  It was bad.  But I honestly didn't care, and it actually made me happy.  I am so glad I've let it all go so that I can spend my time with my babies and not scrubbing floors and organizing mail and piles and junk.  So I let it all go some more and soaked up some much deserved one on one time with my favorite little guy!  Just look at these smiles.  Does life get much sweeter than that...I think not!  He is such a joy!!!  Since I already had my tripod out I used it to get some pics of Clark and I, but couldn't get focus at all...but I'll post a couple for fun!  

I sure do miss my Claire Bear, but this special time with our Clarky sure is a treat!  So in love with my babies!  Always wishing I could freeze this chapter of life....it sure is beautiful.  Clark is napping, I am blogging and we're going to get Claire soon.  We've had a good first day and I hoper hers was even better!