The First Grade

Thursday was Brayden's first day of first grade! I think he had a good day....when I picked him up he told me he had made some friends and he really liked his teacher. He said, "She's funny, Mom." And she is funny. I went with Brayden to school yesterday morning. His teacher, Mrs. Pfeiffer, was holding a parent meeting at 8:15 AM. I am really excited about his teacher. I believe she is going to be wonderful. Being at Brayden's new school yesterday morning helped to reaffirm for me that we have made the right decision by packing up and relocating our family.

I left Brayden at 9:30. As soon as I got to the car, I was crying like a baby. Like a big baby. The ugly cry. The I can't breathe cry. I called Scott (since he loves it when I cry) and was trying to hold it together with him. Of course, he asked, "Are you okay?" At this point I felt like my head was going to spontaneously combust if I didn't just let it out. So I cried. He listened. I have a wonderful husband.

When I got home, Adam was here with Brody. Brody was so excited to see me and I was instantly cheered up. I have a wonderful 18-month old.

We picked Brayden up at 12:00. (This was a bit of a mess because I didn't know what I was supposed to do/where I was supposed to go, so I ended up driving around the school twice before I figured out which line I was supposed to be in. Needless to say, Brayden was one of the last kids being picked up. I silently vowed to do better today.) I told Brayden I wanted to take him to lunch since it was his first day of school. He chose McDonalds (big surprise.) Pap came and met us there. While at McDonalds, one of Brayden's new classmates was also there. He came over and said to Brayden, "You're in my class." Brayden looked him up and down and said, "What's your name?" His name is Michael. I was glad for that interaction because my biggest worry was Brayden didn't know anyone. Now I know he does.

Finally, Brayden had homework. (I know, homework on the first day!?!) It was fun homework though. He had a brown paper bag and had to pick out three things he liked/that described him

and put them in the bag to share with his class. I was thinking to myself he could put a baseball, his golf glove, a spiderman mask, or maybe a toy fish (in place of his real fish which would not have traveled well in a brown paper bag.) I asked Brayden what he wanted to put in his bag. He replied, "A baseball....a matchbox car....and, um....a picture of my family." I couldn't believe it! He wanted to take a picture of us! Of all of his toys and gadgets, he chose a picture of his family! I did not cry again, though I could feel the tears of pride forming behind my eyes. I guess I have done something right afterall. I have a wonderful six year old!

Now some pictures....sorry for the poor quality. The digital camera is going to have to be replaced, I'm afraid. But that's another story for another day. I tried to take some pictures in the classroom, but the quality of photos deteriorated with each picture I took. Oh well...here are some on-the-way-to-first grade pictures...