Now I need the introductions....

I could have sworn that Sarah was just born weeks ago, but apparently she has grown up right before my eyes. Yesterday we went to her pre-school orientation and she couldn't have been more excited or happier about it. She has been waiting for her turn to go to school since Rachel started a couple of weeks ago. Just this past week though, I head, "It's not fair, Rachel gets to go to school five days a week and I only get to go two.". And to think that I went through a lot of guilt over putting her in a two day program. Clearly she wants it and is ready. Heck, I think she'd be happiest if she could just join the kindergarten class!

And forget The Secret Life of Bees (I really liked that book)! I need a quick read of The Secret Life of Kindergartners, and how it is that my five year old can go in one week as a five year old and come out at the end of the week going on about fourteen! These first few weeks their unit has been on bears, so they concluded today with a teddy bear parade through the school. Each kid was to bring a teddy from home for the parade. The choice of teddy was an easy one - it had to be Soft Bear, devoted teddy and recipient of many nights of cuddling and love. I love that both my girls have a teddy that looks like it has been loved. I had one too. While the choice of which bear to bring was easy, the act of getting Soft Bear into the building this morning was trickier. We arrived at school and I was asked to carry Soft Bear in. I asked why and was informed that "It is so embarrassing to carry a teddy bear into school!". (Read that in your best teenage girl voice). And know also that last year she carried a pony, hippo, cat, poodle, dog and numerous other animals to pre-school on a regular basis. I love Soft Bear though, and appreciate his devotion to Rachel, so I wouldn't let her show him disrespect and told her that she needed to carry him in to which I got "so embarrassing". Seriously, who is this child that is now way greater in her age than the five years I am recalling?

At the end of the parade the kindergartners gathered in the auditorium where they got to meet their seventh grade buddies. Each year the kindergartners get a buddy that will watch out for them, make sure they hear their car numbers being called, escort them to their rooms in the morning, etc. Today was the big meet and greet. Rachel's buddy seemed so excited and interested in Rachel. I am told that she too loves Arthur, rides the bus and plays "soccer ball". I'm wondering if she babysits too. Maybe just a mother's helper on a Saturday while I got something done. Hmm.... Next Friday the kids will be with their buddies all day when they take their first field trip to Rock City. I am hoping to tag along, but will hang back, as the buddies are in charge of looking out for their kindergartners. Rachel could not be more excited about this field trip, and can you guess why? The bus doesn't have seat belts. She is so excited to ride something and not be buckled into a seat! Ah, safety!

And while it might be hard to believe, I actually have a baby quilt top finished and ready to be quilted. I'm off to do that now (or at least start it) and hope to have it finished over the weekend. It was a nice break from all the pinwheels.