Katie in Kindergarten

Looking at pictures from Katie's Kindergarten graduation, I'm sad that I don't have more written from those months while she was in school.

This year was a wonderful year of learning for all of us. Having a child in school is a whole new world of parenthood, and so fun! I've always known this, but Katie was made for school. She's been asking to ride on that school bus since she was 2. "When you're 5..." I would always say. She has been waiting to be 5 ever since. I admit, I was a bit teary for a few days (maybe more) watching my baby take off on the bus every morning, but so happy to see her so excited about her own little life and world she was creating for herself with her friends at school. And having her run off the school bus and into my arms at the end of each school day was the best.

Katie was in a huge class, (and when I say huge, I mean huge) which was a great opportunity for her to meet lots of new friends and gain more confidence in her independence. Sure, there were tears some days and some struggles with friends, but there were lots of opportunities for amazing conversations between the two of us and opportunities for both of us to grow through these new experiences. I found myself being needed as Mom in a different kind of way.

Katie had a great year academically. She excelled in all subjects without getting bored (thank goodness). She for sure has a love for learning (which we always knew) and it was incredible seeing it in action. She is now reading chapter books on her own - in her head, not out loud! She can finish a book in a day and then tell me what it was all about. This blows me away! She is writing sentences and sounding out every word she can think of. She has started her own journal which is beyond awesome in my mind, and is such a treasure to me. Her own thoughts written by her own hand. Priceless.

Katie loved everyday of Kindergarten, but we sure were ready for summer when it came. Kindergarten is busy! Now we're gearing up for first grade, and I'm trying to be comfortable with the idea of Katie being gone for a full day this year. I am sure glad we had a year of half days to help us transition into full days. I'm sure going to miss her! And I know her sisters will too.