Dearest Hallie-
Today was a special day! You had your first day of real school and you were over the moon. I picked out two outfits for you last night and let you choose which one you wanted to wear for your first day. It was a hard decision for you. You kept saying how much you liked both outfits, pointing out the benefits of each one. But ultimately you chose the black dress because you liked the shoes better!

You’ve been talking about going to school for weeks now. You started the countdown 7 days ago. And each morning you woke up you would tell me how many days you had left. Just the other morning you were telling dad at breakfast how big you’re getting; you’re going to school soon, you’re growing out of all your clothes, your bed is getting smaller and you’re almost a mommy!  You’re definitely growing up!

Your school starts pretty early so we had to wake you up this morning. Dad made your favorite breakfast…mickey mouse pancakes. You had already packed your school supplies so we were ready to go. We drove up to the school and I turn to look at you in the backseat and you were sobbing. “This is not the right school, we’re not in the right place. My school is by Ruby Jane’s house. I go to Pius!” We tried reasoning with you but you were not having any of it. We tried to calm you down but you were so concerned we were in the wrong place. Daddy turned the car around and drove over to Ruby Jane’s house. Once we were in the driveway we had you turn around and see the school. We then drove there with you watching the school the whole time. The second time we pulled into the parking lot it was a lot better!

We (daddy, mommy and Hunter) all walked you to your classroom. We met your teacher and immediately you ran to the toys with two other girls. Hunter was close behind. We watched you play for just a short while and then we left you in the care of your teacher. We had to pry Hunter away from you. He cried the whole way home.  He missed you so much. You two are the best of friends and he doesn’t know what to do when you’re not around. You’ve should’ve seen his eyes light up when I told him it was time to pick you up.

I’m still a little shocked your old enough to be in school! You’re growing up so quickly.  You’re much more perceptive these days. You notice things, you ask questions, you come to your own conclusions. You’re bright and always learning more. School will be really good for you. I’m excited for you. The only bad thing is now you’re going to be in school for an awfully long time!

I left you today remembering back to my early school days. I loved school. I was excited about it just as much as you were. I wanted to learn more, I loved my teachers and classes. And I’m sure you’ll be no different! I just hope you that you’ll remember everything we’ve taught you. I’m not there to look after you and stick up for you and help you solve your problems, but you’re a big girl now. You can do it.

You walked out of that school beaming today. It was a good day. You told me about your class. Your “friends”. You told me you’re excited about the “projects” you’ll get to do in school. And gym class, you’re pretty excited about that. I can’t forget to send you with tennis shoes those days, you were really concerned I might forget! I loved that you wanted to tell me about your day. I hope you always will.
 
Your sweet friend Ruby even dropped by some balloons for you on your first day and you got to tell your story all over again.

So tomorrow you’ll do it again. And I’m sure it will only get better and better. We love you sweet girl!