The first day of school was fantastic, according to Zoe. She was so excited when she got home she couldn’t stop talking about how much fun she had and cannot wait to go back. They went to the library, played outside, and Zoe told us about all her new (and old) friends. She even had homework on the first day of school! I think we may have disappointed her by picking her up 'too early' from after school care, but I couldn't wait to see her and hear all about her day.
This morning we all walked to the bus stop, dogs and all. Zoe was SO excited about taking the bus with the other kids she couldn't wait to get there. I'll admit, I did shed a few tears; it was a little overwhelming watching Zoe get on that BIG BIG bus filled with little little people. It made me realize how fast she is growing up, and how much I don't like it!
Zoe was up bright and early ready to get to school and start the 1st grade. Is my baby really in 1st grade? WOW! She (I), had her clothes all laid out the night before so she just had to roll out of bed, brush her teeth, and get dressed. This is a kid who (like her Mimi) wears shorts and t-shirts everyday. But this morning, she wanted to make sure everything looked perfect. I've never seen her take this long getting ready, picking out the right hair bands, socks, belt, etc. I was SO proud of her for taking the time to make sure she has herself put together.
I had just finished work and signed off so, I was running around finishing up last minute stuff for work. All the while getting lunch boxes, school supplies, back packs and name tags in order, double checking the school list and making sure we had everything we needed. Mimi was trying to get ready and walk the dogs, but there was Zoe yelling, “Let’s go! Let’s go, I don't want to be late!” (Nevermind that school doesn't start until 9:05, and it was 7:45 at the time)
We stopped for breakfast at a local bagel shop, but Zoe was too excited to eat much, so she opted for a fruit cup and fresh squeezed orange juice. I sipped my coffee, ate my bagel, sipped my coffee...sipped my coffee...sipped my coffee. I wanted breakfast to last another three hours. I only had one bite of my bagel before Zoe was looking at us asking if we were ready to go.
When we got to school and parked, I asked Zoe if she had butterflies, she said, 'Yes', but I didn't see any apprehension (much to my disappointment). Zoe held my hand walking up to the school, but only up to the front door, then she let go and my heart skipped a beat. Zoe wanted to do this all on her own she didn’t need me to baby her, tell her it was going to be okay, or help her unpack her bag pack. She knew exactly where she was going and what to do, she was in full control. Shelli and I have always wanted to make sure we raise her to be independent and strong, but today I just wanted her to be a little girl who 'needed' her Mom to help her.
Side note: Zoe is taking the bus to school tomorrow. I better brace myself!
Jaylyn adoption was final today! On this very special day one of my closest friends, Dana, closed one very long chapter in her life and started a new one. Today Dana’s foster child became her forever daughter. Jaylyn’s adoption was finalized today and she officially became Dana’s forever daughter. To be honest, for the past three years, I’ve always considered Jaylyn Dana’s daughter but, it was official today!!! It’s been a long time coming and what a beautiful day it was! Dana invited close friends and family to the adoption and Zoe and I were one of the lucky ones to have been invited. It was surreal; to think just 6 years ago I was in Dana’s shoes. I couldn’t have been happier for the both of them.
As soon as we got to the courthouse, we went upstairs to the ‘waiting’ area and waited for them to call us into the court room. They were running a little behind schedule, but when we all finally got in, Zoe and I got a chair closest to the action. Zoe jumped up on my lap. I was tearing up as soon as Dana was getting sworn in. I immediately reflected back to the day it was us in that court room. I knew every feeling and emotion she was feeling at that very second. Every now and again, Zoe would turn around and whisper in my ear, “Did they ask you that about me?”, “Did my judge wear a black robe?”, “Did you cry?”, “Did the whole family cry?”, “Who held me in my picture with the judge?” All these things she needed to know and I needed to answer. “Yes, they asked almost the same questions, Yes, the judge wore a black robe, Yes, I cried and cried, and cried with happy happy tears, Yes, the whole family cried because you are so special to all of us, Pop Pop held you in the picture, and wouldn’t let you go. He wasn’t even looking at the camera because he was too busy looking at you!
When it was all said and done, we all went out for breakfast to celebrate this magnificent day. Neither I nor Zoe will ever forget this special day. Jaylyn is so blessed to have such an amazing, dedicated, strong, adoring, and loving mother. Congrats D! We love you and Jaylyn so very much!!!!
