First Day of School

Yesterday was Katelyn's first day of school. This year I signed her up for two days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9-1. I have been a complete nervous wreck, second guessing my decision, thinking she was not ready for this day. Maybe it is me that is not ready.......I am just not sure. We went to orientation on Monday and the kids were able to play in the room for an hour and just try to get familiar with the surroundings while the parents went to a meeting. She was a little clingy to my leg but eventually I was able to slip out with no problems. I left her room in tears worried sick about how she was, if she was scared, did she have a friend to play with, was she being loved on, etc. I knew that it was going to be a long day on Wednesday so I had to start preparing myself for it! So, I made a decision to walk her in to school yesterday morning. Now that the day is over, I still stand by my decision to walk her in 100%. She really did not even want to walk into the school but I got her in and into her classroom. After a couple of minutes, I eventually got her off my leg and slipped out once again. I left her room happy and with a good feeling about today. I was very anxious throughout the day and I was so excited to see her that I was the first one in line to pick her up! I watched as all the kids piled out of their rooms to wait for carpool, one by one. Finally, I saw my little angel walking out and she sat down on the wall next to another little girl. As carpool started, I saw them reach for Katelyn to bring her out to the car. Anyone that knows my little Katelyn, knows that she is VERY strong willed and VERY stubborn. As I watched her through the doors, she seemed to be fighting the lady that was bringing her out to the car. She was kicking and fussing which did not give me that warm fuzzy feeling that you want when you drop your first and only child off at school. So, she got in the car and seemed fine and very happy so I quickly asked Abbey to check her bag for a note or something so that I would know how her day was. There was nothing. I know a few of the mom's of the kids in her class so I quickly got on the phone to get the scoop. I call it....."the mommy mofia"! ha! I found out that the other girls had brought home a pretty painting with their hand prints on them. I just got to the point that I knew that I needed to call the teacher to find out how Katelyn's first day of school was. So, I called Mrs. Michelle, her very sweet teacher, and asked her why Katelyn did not have any artwork in her book bag today. She informed me that Katelyn refused to do her artwork and I must say, I literally had tears in my eyes at this point. Not what a Mommy wants to hear! She said that she would not play all day, she would not eat her lunch, she would not play on the playground, she would not hold onto the rope that the kids hold on to while walking in the hall.....must I go on? So, I am now completely distraught! I can totally see my strong-willed, stubborn child refusing to do everything and making Mrs. Michelle's day completely crazy. On the other hand, it breaks my heart to wonder if she doesn't understand where she is and why she is there. Yes, we have been talking to her about school and she always says that she wants to go and that she is excited about it. I just don't know right now. I am forcing myself to roll over a new leaf for Monday and to give it another shot. I LOVE her teacher! I just wonder if she is really ready for this. Or...... maybe she is overdue this! Any comments, thoughts or advice would be wonderful! And, please pray for Katelyn and ME on Monday, that she will feel safe and have fun at school. And on a side note, Katelyn is teething and has missed a couple naps this week due to that. It is her top molars. She had motrin before school but I know that could be one stumbling block from Wednesday. Who knows!