1st Day

Today was the first day that I wasn't sure until recently would ever actually happen for my children; the first day of kindergarten at a school. He wore his backpack, took his lunch, picked out a collared "school uniform" shirt even though it is not a uniform school; he looked so grown up. I took a million pictures and then left my baby with a stranger for six hours . . . . six hours that I spent watching the clock and counting down. I consider the day a success and will go to bed a happy mom. Here's my success checklist:
1) He woke up and got himself dressed and ready without any arguing.
2) He cooperated for a million pictures at home and school.
3) We ate breakfast and got out of the house and to school with time to spare.
4) He was ready for my husband and I to leave the classroom long before I was ready to leave.
5) He interacted well with his teacher and other kids.
6) He was appropriately independent for lunch, bathroom, taking care of his backpack, etc.
7) He was happy to see me when I arrived at 2:30 but said the day went fast. He had no favorite part of the day and no bad part. The whole day was "okay." He was so at peace from start to finish. When he woke up this morning I said "Happy first day of kindergarten." He nonchalantly said, "oh ya, thanks."
8) He and his sister do love each other. He wanted to take a picture of her with him so he wouldn't "forget her during the school day." She asked throughout the day, "When can we go get Luke?"

There's my success list. My goals in sending him off two days a week are not primarily academic and those eight things match exactly what I'm wanting in him through this whole school experience. Tomorrow, school day 2, we'll be at home and focusing on some academic goals.  :)