Maddie

It was hard to believe that my baby could be going to Kindergarten this year.   It seems like just yesterday that we had to lower her crib mattress because she learned to stand by herself and we were afraid that she would fall out.  Now she is in elementary school.   Kindergarten has been quite an experience for us both.  Maddie really didn't want to go and I didn't really want to send her.  I sent her though and she went and then one day we woke up and it was okay for both of us.  She has grown up so much this year and while I know that she will always be my girl, this was her first real step away from me and that was so hard for me.  I remember putting her on the bus one morning right after school started and the bus driver had to almost peel her off of me.  She cried and cried and cried.   And then I got in the car and cried and cried and cried.   But we made it!  She has learned so much this year and had such a wonderful experience.   I hope that she will always remember her fabulous Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Fuch's, who was everything that a kindergarten teacher should be and more.   

It was a busy week with all kinds of activities but the highlight was her end-of-the-year luau party on Thursday.  I had such a good time watching her have fun and interact with all of her little friends.   Maddie and I had decided that it wasn't fair that she wouldn't get to celebrate her birthday with her classmates and so she celebrated today with ice cream cone cupcakes that we made last night.  I picked her up expecting some tears but she was all smiles and ready to enjoy our tradition, ice cream on the last day of school.   I think my girl is ready for 1st grade!  

My baby Maddie at 6 months

Maddie on the first day of Kindergarten 2008

Maddie and her teacher Mrs Fuch's (right) and her paraprofessional, Ms. Rager (left)

My sweet girl and her sweet smile

Maddie doing the limbo

Maddie and her good friend, Keeley

Maddie, Keeley and Mina

Maddie and her friend, Makai.  They have been in school together since they were two.  He says "I love you Maddie"

Maddie and friends  

Maddie and her fruit shish-ka-bob

Maddie and her birthday cupcake

Our Postman Rocks!!

Many jokes are made about the United States Postal Service but I have nothing but the highest praise for them. They managed to deliver this letter to my house. Maddie is learning to write her address and so her teacher had her address an envelope to herself and then filled it with stickers and a sweet note and sent it to our house.

Mama Blues

My baby starts Kindergarten tomorrow. She is ready, her mother is not. Her pink backpack is packed with her crayons and pencils and 20 glue sticks, her pink lunchbox has the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in it, grapes and two Chips Ahoy. She has her little red and black plaid outfit all laid out.

Wasn't it just yesterday that I walked in her room and found her standing in her crib for the first time? Now she is headed off to a whole new world. Whenever you ask her what her mama is going to do when she goes to Kindergarten she grins and says, "She is going to cry," and you know what she's right!!

Here is one of my all time favorite short video's of my girl. I love you Maddie Grace!!!