We experienced a first in the Gauthier family today.
My first baby girl, Lacey, joined hundreds of children across the county in experiencing her first day of school.
{sigh}
As I prepared Lacey’s lunch the night before and tucked it neatly into her brand new Dora the Explorer lunch box, I prayed … I prayed for protection and fellowship, for new friends and great adventures .. for loving teachers and wholesome influences … it is such a big moment to let your FIRST child out of your arms into that great big wide world call Real Life. I honestly did not know what to expect as we drove up the dusty road to the country school and parked our little vehicle, filled with giggling girls (Lyla and Lucia just had to join in for the adventure this morning!) … but as Lacey, our sweet natured, mild mannered first born, stepped out of our vehicle and skipped gleefully to her new teacher (who had graciously made a home visit to meet Lacey and make her feel comfortable earlier last week), I knew everything was going to just fine.
And not just fine – but wonderful. As parents, Abby and hummed and hawed and debated what school would be best for, not only Lacey, but our entire family. We thought about public school. We thought about homeschooling. We thought about French immersion. But in the end, the Orangeville Christian School kept calling our name and our hearts felt at ease and amazingly happy with the school choice.
Lacey was *overoyed* for her first day of REAL school (she was homeschooled last year for one year) … I don’t think her feet ever actually touched the sidewalk as she joyfully and painlessly made her way into this new chapter of her – and our – lives…
And while the pictures paint a lovely story, it was a bit chaotic – I even had to shower and lay out all the clothes the night before to ensure I could get all three girls to school on time as they were tagging along for the big Drop Off moment with their older sister. So during our lovely Lacey moments, we had Tarzan Jane (Lyla) running around, trying to join each and every class she could (go figure) and wee little Lucia decided to take a face plant on the gravel parking lot, skinning her little knees and hands until they bled …. yes, it was zany. I was trying to take pictures, soothe crying, bleeding baby, while Abby was trying to videotape (are we dorks or what?!) and restrain Lyla from joining the Grade 8 class lineup on the other side of the school … ahh, fun times with the life of kids!
But what a beautiful day – past all the tears (mine included) ….
My pretty-in-pink girl insisted on wearing a black dress for the first day … not sure why but she loved it … I really didn’t want to force her to wear a playful colour (my first choice!) so I just let her be her …
As my friend, Holly mentioned, her backpack outweighed the seriousness of her dress … 😉
Her bin … I know. I’m nuts.
The first day of school was about the theme, “If you bring a mouse to school …” So Lacey insisted on bringing her Mouse along with her …
Ahhh – *sniff sniff* My baby and me …. it’s still so hard to believe. I know that sounds pathetic but I still remember MY first day of school … wow … really, we have to cherish all these moments, don’t we?
Lacey came home and was just as happy as a peach … school certainly suits her. But we sure missed her …
Speaking of firsts, I am happy to announce that my dear friend and fellow photographer, Heather, will be teaming up with me this fall to 1) help me catch up from this insanely busy summer (I do believe my bookings have doubled in just a few months! It’s gone insane lately!) 2) keep me on top of things this busy fall.
A big thank you to Heather for being my RIGHT HAND girl!!!!!! Everyone who might be waiting on proofs – check your inbox SOON!!
by Gigi
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