Kindergarten!!!

Well, we officially have a kindergartner! Monday night we had our back to school night, for the whole school. The parents of kindergarten had their orientation last week. Courtney seemed so sure of herself, and her surroundings. I was convinced that she just didn't understand how things were going to go no matter how much I prepped her. Well, she sure proved me wrong. She was completely prepared.

The big morning came. We all walked to school together. The parents were able to take their kids into school that day. So, we walked Courtney into her new Kindergarten room. They had a "Treasure Hunt" for us to do as a family. The list included things like finding the office, gym, library, bathroom, water fountain, etc, around the school. It also had them find things in their classroom, such as where they put their lunch, where they hang their backpack, etc. The last step was finding her cubby and there was a new pencil in there for them! We then left her there. She has 3 other kids from her preschool class in with her, another girl and 2 boys. So, she at least had some friends already.

She was fine when we left her. I was the one who had tears well up in my eyes. Which surprised me, I thought for sure I would be ok. But apparently I am more of a softy than I thought. Thankfully Hubby knows me better than I know myself and he had tissues in his pocket for me! Her teacher, Mrs. Garcia, saw me well up and was very comforting to me!

Kindergarten is such a big step. And even more so for Courtney! She has had so many struggles in her past, this will really be a test if she is out growing all her issues or still needs more work. I struggle with being worried about her falling behind in some areas. But, we know enough to watch her and stay in close contact with her teacher, so hopefully she will not fall behind in any areas.

Yesterday, on day 2, Courtney and her friend Dakota were at the back of the line to go inside. Day 2 parents were not allowed to walk them inside. We have to get them in their line outside and then kiss them goodbye as they head in. It was funny to listen to all the parents say the same things to their kids. (3 of the 5 kindergarten classes line up together). You kept hearing: I can't come in with you today, today you walk in by yourself! Follow the person in front of you! Stay in line! It made me smile.

Anyway, this other little girl Natalie came up. Her sister, who goes to the middle school (also within walking distance), walked her to school. Her sister had to leave to get to her school, but Natalie didn't want her to. I asked Courtney to make friends with her. Courtney held her hand and Dakota's and the 3 of them went into the school that way. It was so cute! And I was so proud of Courtney for helping Natalie out in that situation. She did it again today. I see 3 fast friends forming there!

I don't know what to do with myself now, only having one kid. Ok, that's not really true. Day 1 I ran errands. Day 2 I had my first day of Ministry Team training for MOPS. Today I have been cleaning and I have an appointment to see my chiropractor at 10:15. I am finding ways for Kasey and I to fill the day pretty easy! But I still miss Courtney. However, I can tell that she is loving it! She is a happy kid!

Here she is getting her picture taken by her teacher:
Sitting in her classroom:
Hanging up her backpack on her hook:

Meanwhile I have been fighting something. Not sure what. I have had a cough for a week plus some congestion. Then Tuesday morning I woke up with pink eye in both eyes. I went to the doctor and he put me on oral antibiotics and eye drops. Today I am finally not coughing like crazy! First day in a week!

Kasey went up to Children's hospital last week for an appointment with a pediatric pulminologist. He diagnosed her with asthma. No big surprise, we have pretty much known it for a year, just no one wanted to use that word. She is now on Singular, Flonase, and Flovent twice a day. We are hoping that makes this winter a bit better for her. She was so sick last winter. However, she apparently caught what I had and it went into a croupy cough in a few days. The good news is that it only lasted about 24 hours. It may be another long winter with her again, but here's to hoping not as bad as last winter! And here's to hoping for no more hospitalizations!

The good news is that now that she is officially diagnosed it should be easier to care for her properly. At least that is what I am hoping. No more skirting around "she may have asthma". And the good news is that she should only get better as she gets older. Hopefully it will either go away all together or her symptoms will lesson. Only time will tell, but here's to hoping for the best!

Well, we need to head to the bank now! Hope all of you are well!!!