Marissa is officially a Kindergartner

The preparation for Marissa's first day of school all began on March 3, 2010 at Marissa's kindergarten assessment day.

Shortly thereafter, on May 13th we were welcomed to Kindergarten Orientation by several teachers speaking about the "Day in the life of a Kindergartner", and "Getting ready for the 1st day of School". A week or so after the Orientation while at Old Navy shopping for Brian's birthday, Marissa came across "the best" backpack for school - Marissa eyes were filled with excitement and she just had to have this heart shaped peace sign designed backpack and matching lunch bag. How could I say no, seeing her so excited after always saying she does NOT want to go school, instead have me teach her at home. After that day, any sort of school oriented item Marissa had seen [and wanted]; an outfit, the backpack (and panda bear), a headband, a pencil, sugar cookies, etc.. which seemed to possibly make the first day of school easier on her, I purchased! I didn't go too overboard, but any way to make her first day easier was worth it!

Faster than I had imagined July 23rd, 'Sneak-a-Peak' at school day arrived. Marissa's eyes were glossy with tears as soon as we entered the class room, and she quickly attached herself to my leg. We introduced ourselves to her teacher Mrs. Deans, and walked Marissa around the classroom showing her all the activities she'd enjoy once school began. Marissa was excited to find her cubby, and had fun with Brian locating her name on her desk, and on various shapes of colored paper throughout the classroom walls. Afterwards, we took Marissa for a celebratory 'sticky rice and miso noodle' dinner (most importantly some delicious sushi and saki [rice wine] to ease my nerves) at Okawa in Antioch! Here she poses with our deep fried Amaebi [sweet] Shrimp heads Marissa received her school folder where inside we found a welcome pack, her supply list, a name tag to wear on her first day of school, and a recipe to make Kool-Aid Playdoh! Mrs. Deans presented each child with a "Special Bag" full of goodies, including a secret and very special meaning: STICKER: We all Stick together and help one another; PENNY: You are a valuable and special person; STAR: This reminds you to shine and always try your best; ERASER: It is ok to make mistakes...making mistakes is one way we learn; LIFESAVER: Remember! You can always come to me when you need help or you need someone to talk to.

The day before school I read through Marissa's welcome packet and had her sign the required documents to attend walking field trips, computer class, and student handbook. That evening I read "The Night before Kindergarten", a book given by Marissa's Aunt Elilah (and family)! DRUM ROLL..... with my and Marissa's hesitation July 26th arrived - First DAY of School! I kept MY head high, lots of smiles, lots of enthusiasm and with much surprise NO TEARS! I think I was just as proud of Marissa as I was about myself. Being strong made a HUGE difference on Marissa's outlook of what Kindergarten was all about - Fun Times and New Friends! My 'HIGH' counting down the minutes until Marissa returned home to tell me about her day was enough excitement - the drink I had almost swore I'd require [during those 4 hours] vanished because the smile on her face left me with a certain instinct she'd be ok! Here she is with big smiles on the drive to school! Sierra giving Marissa big hugs!! Marissa inside her classroom sitting on her designated square waiting for Mrs. Deans daily instructions. After school Brian and I picked Marissa up, and were surprised [and elated] that her day went well - Marissa was super excited telling us about the songs she sang, the books she read, the friends she met and the activities she played! We treated Marissa to Ice Cream at Baskin-Robbins, and Pizza at Skippolini's! My baby Marissa is growing up, but Marissa always reminds that even though she grows up, she'll always be my baby!

[side NOTE: Don't be fooled by the girls change of clothing, which may seem to be different days. Nope, they both enjoy changing clothes 2 or 3 times a day - so for instance, the ice cream and pizza was the same day as Marissa's first day of school. AND yes it is July, but Sierra has been OBSESSED with her [last years] christmas dress! HA]