Clara started preschool last week. Who took our baby and replaced her with this little girl?
After some debate, we decided to enroll Clara in a local 2-day per week preschool. It’s just the mornings, so she’s there for three hours on each of those two days. She loves being around other kids so we thought it was the right time for her… but we still held our breaths a bit on the first day. Would she cry? Would we cry? Would we get called half-way through to come pick her up because she was having an all-consuming sobbing fit?
Nope. There were dry eyes all around. Heck, Clara was so excited when she arrived that this is the only photo we managed to snag before she disappeared into the classroom. Seriously, she sprinted in without a look back in our direction.
When we picked her up three hours later she was all smiles and kept telling us how they sang and painted and played on the playground. Her teacher even reported that it was “the best first day of school” in all of her years of teaching. Apparently there were no tears from any of the twelve kids in her class, which has never happened before. So she is really excited about what the year ahead holds. And so are we.
Since her first day, she has gone four times, and she still loves it. In fact almost every morning that she wakes up she says “I go to school today?” with a big hopeful grin. We almost feel bad saying “not today, Clara” when it’s not a school day. But we’re so glad that she’s having such a good time.
As for the all important first day of school photo, we decided to take them in front of our front door with Clara and her school bag (a sweet handmade gift that we got from our friend Abby).
As usual, she was a ham.
Apparently the “hand in the air” is her new favorite pose.
This was her watching the elementary school bus roll by our house. Just a few more years ’til she’ll be on it. Crazy.
As you saw from the first image in the post, we chose to Photoshop the information about what grade she’s in right onto the door itself (the font is called Raleway in case you’re interested). We broke the words up and spaced them that way intentionally so we can keep things somewhat consistent for all future years – like when this occasion rolls around in 2016 (although hopefully she’ll be a bit taller by then)…
How’d the first day of school go for your household? Any big milestones? Any “emotions” from you or your kids? Sherry got a little “misty” but no tears actually fell, so she’s saying it doesn’t count as crying.
Liz E. says
No kids of my own yet, but my mom loves to tell the story of my first day at Preschool a few (ahem) years ago. She was prepared to be strong, expecting me to cry. Instead, I just walked on in and she stood outside bawling. =)
Young House Life says
Haha, that totally could have been me! John kept it together so I looked up at him and blinked a few times and held it in. Hahah!
xo
s
Krithiga says
Wow! Clara in school already ? She looks mighty happy. My younger started preschool this year too, but he is three years old..he walked straight in as well :)
Love Clara’s top (all her dresses too) . Yet another career option for you..Little girls dress designer/stylist :)
Young House Life says
Haha, oh man I could do that all day! Talk about a dream job!
xo
s
Elle says
Oh you guys! She’s the sweetest and she looks sooo cute!,
Can’t wait ’till I have some little ones and to make memories.
Catherine says
Sherry! She looks like a little blonde version of you in some of those pics! Right down to the big expressive faces – too cute :)
Jennifer says
This is just heartwarming and she is so stinkin’ cute. I think even *I* got a little misty-eyed, and Clara and I are not even related!
My fave shot is one of the “hands in the air” poses–she looks like she’s waving to her friends in the driveway, waiting on her to get in the car. NOT that you want to think that far ahead, but recapturing that shot when she’s 16 and can drive would be cute. ;)
Young House Life says
Aw that would be cute!
xo,
s
Jenny A. says
Awww, so sweet. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and seeing Clara growing-up causes a little stab in my heart. Sniff. My youngest started fifth grade this year, which begins Middle School in our district. That means he rides the bus now with his big sister and a couple of the neighborhood boys. Last year, he still rode the elementary bus and would hug me at the door, waving good-bye as the bus drove away. This year he makes me hug him behind the door where no one can see (because it’s embarrassing that your mother actually loves you, you know) and he won’t even acknowledge me on the bus. I actually did cry the first day of school this year when I thought about how I’d never see that little arm waving good-bye to me again, at least not like that. For me, that was harder than kindergarten. Gaaa – my father said this would happen, ha ha.
Young House Life says
Aw, that made me sniffle too!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Oh my gosh, I just got teary-eyed here at work reading this. I don’t want my little boy to ever be embarrassed by my love for him. But… chances are it’ll happen. Oh gosh! lol
Chelsea says
She is so stinkin’ cute, I just adore her expressive little face!!
notsupermum says
Awww, bless her little cotton socks.
I remember my daughters’ first days at school like it was yesterday..but now they’re big scary teenagers :)
Ashley says
I hope it’s not weird that I’m so proud of the big girl that Clara has turned into. It seems like she’s grown up over night and it actually makes me teary eyed reading this post and seeing this new(to you) photo tradition you are caring on.
My mom says I did the same thing when I went to pre-school just a couple days a week. I’d always ask “Can I go back tomorrow?”
Is this first day pic going to be her 28th month one too or do we get treated to another adorable portrait of your sweetie?
Young House Life says
Oh yes we are late on the monthly pic! Hopefully today we’ll get it done :)
xo,
s
Kati says
I love those pictures! She is quite the little poser! I have been a champion non-crier when I dropped all 4 of my kids at the first day of pre-school, kindergarten, my 3 older at middle school, but dropping my oldest off at his first day of high school this year I turned into the biggest cry baby ever! I waited until after I dropped him off but I totally had to pull my car over after I left because I couldn’t see with all the tears! Such a streak, now ruined! :) LOL
Young House Life says
Aw man! So sweet.
xo,
s
VTmamateurs says
Adorable! I’m VERY impressed no one shed a tear! I get blurry-eyed just thinking of my little one going off to school.
Mary says
My daughter has the same shirt! :)
She’s now in kindergarten this year but I didn’t get emotional about her first day of nursery school. I guess because I was used to dropping her off and later picking her up. The first time I ever dropped her off for any activity was for a tumbling class at the recreation center when she was three and I will admit I got a little teary-eyed.
Nicole says
Go Clara! It’s amazing how fast they grow… I remember your Blogaversary video that you taped right after finding out like it was yesterday. She is such a cutie, I’m so glad she loves it!
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
They grow up so fast – I never appreciated that statement until I had my little man. Anyways too cute! I usually don’t link to my blog (not sure if that is good etiquette or not…new blogger so I am still learning) but had to make an exception when I saw this post.
I did something similar for my little man’s first day of pre-school…or is it pre-k… oh well, you get the idea. Anyways just had to share – hope you don’t mind.
http://ourlifeinaction.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/first-day-of-pre-school/
Young House Life says
So cute!
xo,
s
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
Thanks! :-D
Tara H. says
You guys!!! She’s such a great kid! How awesome that she is so confident and self-assured! Congrats on this milestone. I’m still too chicken, granted mine is about a year behind Clara, but we attempted daycare at the gym, and I got in a 10 min warm up walk on the treadmill and was summoned back to the nursery. Oh well :) way to go, Clara!!!
Christina @ Homemade Ocean says
She has so many great expressions! Glad she is having so much fun :)
And now I love your yellow door even more….if thats possible.
Gabi Barrick says
Oh, the first days of school. My oldest started Kinder this year. I was pretty sure I would need to be medicated to get through it, but I survived (just a tear or two or three…)! We miss him at home, but he is rocking Kinder similar to Clara’s conquering of preschool. Go Clara! :)
http://www.bgbarrick.blogspot.com/2012/08/1st-day-of-kindergarten.html
Kim says
So glad for C! My son loves his teachers so much, it helps. And it really helped that for the first 6 months of school, he and his sister went together. No tears until he started going on his own. I know he likes it, but he’s at school all day (8-5) while I work. So, on the weekends if we get on the freeway, he asks nervously, “We not going to school, right, mommy?” But as I drove past he said, “Look! Look! There’s my school!”
Young House Life says
Haha, so cute!
xo,
s
Leigh says
Awww such a sweet picture!!!!!! She’s getting so big. I love her top. Man I wish Old Navy would make that in adult sizes!
My little one has been in a home daycare since he was 11 weeks and he’s now 15 months. He loves it and he has learned so much from the other kids. It’s still hard on me sometimes but seeing how much he loves it, it’s worth sending him.
Carly says
I need to get my daughter those shoes… Where did they come from? Of course I like the Old Navy shirt too! I wondered where she was when you did the video tour of the house. Bittersweet.
Young House Life says
Those shoes are from Target. They fit her so well (we tried lots of others but these won).
xo,
s
Hollie says
Hurray for Clara! I luurve her outfit. Excellent choice, Mom.
My nephew Dillon began kindergarten this year. His school had a mini Pre-K camp a week before school started so the little ones could become familiar with their teacher, their classroom and each other. Now, he’s all business when it comes to school, and he won’t talk to any of us about what goes on everyday. It’s “his time,” you see. My mother-in-law, who used to watch him, said, “Dillon, I miss you when you’re at school.” His response was, “I’m sorry, Gigi, but I got things to do.” Ha!
Unfortunately, his younger brother, who started going to pre-school 3 days per week, isn’t enjoying the experience so much. He’s only been going a 3 weeks, but he’s already “been sick” a couple of times… and the apparent prescription is swinging in the backyard with his grandpa. :)
Young House Life says
Aw, so cute!
xo,
s
Erin says
I can’t believe little Clara is in preschool! I don’t know why I’m saying “little” though, because she really acts and talks like she’s so much older than 2! She is such a cutie! I love how she asks each morning if it’s a school day–adorable!!
Aubrey says
I love the ‘hand in the air’ photos. She looks like a little politician waving to her admirers. She must know it’s election season :)
Sam M. | Atkinson Drive says
I cannot believe how big Clara is getting! We also put our little guy into a 2-day preschool this year and it sounds like he and Clara are having a similar experience. I couldn’t believe when he didn’t even hug me goodbye the first day! Here’s some of our pictures…
http://www.atkinsondrive.com/first-day-of-preschool/
Young House Life says
So cute!
xo
s
Erin says
I wonder if Clara will have earlier memories since you document everything for her. I think if she starts reading through YHLife as she is growing up and you all discuss the events with her now and moving forward – I bet she will have an advantage that most kids don’t get. We’ll have to ask her in 20 years to see what she thinks (remembers). :)
Melissa Mitchell says
Did you DIY her bag? So cute!
Young House Life says
That was a gift from our friend Abby. So cute of her to make it!
xo,
s
Nonnie says
My mom took pictures of my brother and I infrom of all our different front doors on every “First Day”. It’s neat to see those pictures today. I’ve done the same with my boys, but instead of the front door, I stand them in front of a 16×20″ pencil sketch of them that is framed on my wall. When they were small, they didn’t reach the bottom of the frame, but as the years progressed, they have to stand off to the side, so you see the pencil sketch of their 5 and 3 year old selves next to them. It’s a sweet contrast.
Nonnie says
*in front* that’s what I get for not proofing.
Young House Life says
That’s so cute!
xo,
s
Alisa says
Oh my goodness! Clara’s like a little person now! I cannot believe how grown up she looks in these pictures. My daughter just got her top two teeth (8 months) and now I don’t think she looks like a baby anymore. Anyways, I’m thinking about putting her in a Mothers Day Out program once a week when she turns 1 for the social aspect (we live in a neighborhood with mostly retired people and no babies), but I’m worried I’ll be an absolute wreck dropping her off! I’ve heard each year gets easier and by the time they go to kindergarten you’re ready for them to be in school, but I just can’t imagine being ready to not be around her all the time!
Carrie says
Oh my, that picture is so adorable I can’t even stand it! She is so little and that bag is so big and that face! So cute!
Hilarie says
She looks so cute/grown up! My goodness – wasn’t she just a baby?? (I can say that of my kids, too – and do quite often!) I’m glad the transition to preschool went so well for all of you!
Cathryn says
Look at your big girl! Your post reminds me of my daughter’s first day of school. She started at age two for a couple of days a week, too. For bright little kids like Clara it’s so exciting and enriching. My favorite part of that first year was hearing little phrases and ideas and songs that she learned at school. It’s amazing to see one’s child absorb so much of the world.
Michelle N says
Awww! She is too cute for words! Love the hand pose, so adorable.
I love that style of shirt on little girls. My 7 year old daughter calls them butterfly shirts. She has several in her closet!
Michelle N says
Thought I would share this deal I came across this morning. My kids love Crocs also, always looking for deals on Crocs, haha.
Crocs deal 25FAMILY for 25% off and SHIPFOR2 for free shipping!
Young House Life says
Thanks!
xo,
s
Jen says
love Love LOVE her top! And don’t even get me started on the adorable bag that’s as big as she is. Cuteness beyond words!!!
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
Awwwwww….and more w’s after that. I can’t believe she is in Preschool already. My daughter didn’t go until she was 4 and she jumped out of the van and yelled over her shoulder “BYYYEEEE!!!” as she made a mad dash to her class. I was incredibly insulted! ;o) I thought she would at least tear up a little bit. Nada. I held it together in class and then lost it once we left. With my 1st born son – complete and total mess. Not gonna lie. It was ugly and I actually ran out of tissues. Seeing me in that completely undone state and sticking it out and not acting like he didn’t know me made me realize that my husband is really the best dude I know. :o) The kids see blocks and they are always like “What parents? This is my new family.” Congrats guys, you’ve now entered a new chapter in your life book.
My best, Lynn
* I just wrote about this too … https://ourusefulhands.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/how-not-to-go-crazy-the-1st-day-of-school/
Briel K. says
She looks so cute! I love her bag! That’s so great that she’s having a blast at school. I hope she’ll always love it. :)
renee says
Our tradition was to have my boys make a sign for the first day of school with their name, grade and the year. Then we took the picture by the front door. When they were young they put a ton of time into designing those signs and by high school they were trying to talk me out of making the signs. NO WAY! My oldest graduated this past June and I had a whole wall of those pics with the matching year school pic. It was such a hit and I was so grateful we kept it up!
I don’t think I’ve seen a happier pre-schooler than Miss Clara!
Ashley @ Any Lovely Thing says
Go, Clara, go! And congratulations on holding back those tears ;)
xo,
Ashley
Elaine K says
The pictures of Clara bring back memories of sending my daughter to school 16 years ago–same blond hair, same huge (for her) tote bag, same posing by the front door. I love the photo shop idea and may even go back and scan old photos and add info to them. (Actually I’ll probably get my daughter to do it for me). Clara is adorable. I love how you are documenting her childhood. I wish I had done more of that; there’s a lot of things I don’t remember as well as I wish.
Lisa says
My son is a month younger than Clara and just started preschool last week, too — two hours a day, two days a week. The first week he was totally fine (although many of the other kids were melting down), this week he was a little more tentative. I can’t believe how fast they grow up!
Laura says
She’s so cute. I’m glad she is enjoying school. I can’t believe my little one will be starting soon. Is Clara potty trained?
Young House Life says
She does go on the potty sometimes, but is a ways away from being fully trained. We’re not pushing it since her school doesn’t require it until next year, but we’re hoping it’ll happen slowly in the next 6 months or so.
xo
s
andrea @ my kinda perfect says
my bff was a preschool teacher for 2 and 3 year olds for 13 years and loved it. i can imagine clara (and her big personality) having so much fun learning and making new friends. she’s so sweet! =)
Joy says
At the age of 57 and all 3 of my children are through college and on their own, I am not in your usual demographic age group for your blog but I am your biggest fan. I love this post. All 3 of my children went to preschool at the age of 4 for 3 days a week (4 hours each day) I am convinced it is a necessary step. We also took pictures of them on the first day of school. First the eldest and then the addition of the others as they started. One of them even took their own picture on the first day of college!!!! You will enjoy them for many years to come and Clara will appreciate the tradition when she gets older.
Young House Life says
Aw, that’s such a sweet tradition! I love that you even got a college shot!
xo
s
Mary says
Very cute! She is very fashionable :-)
Kristin says
This is the first time I saw a lot of you, sherry, in Clara. Up until now, I felt like her features looked more like John. Crazy! Thanks for sharing your world with us I love watching your family grow in the space you have.
Amanda K. says
Yay Clara!
Man, she looks so grown up in those photos. School seems to have matured her. :)
She’s also getting TONS of hair!!
Young House Life says
Yay! Hair!
xo
s
Amanda says
Clara’s preschool sounds like my son’s preschool. Two days a week, 9-2pm. I was unbelievably lucky like you guys. He started at age 3 last year and thankfully we had dry eyes all around. Of course, his were replaced with “where the heck am I?!” crazy eyes. heehee Caught that look with my camera. But hey, no tears! This year was pretty awesome. 4 year old class, he walked right up to his little friend and proudly said, “Hi Natalie!” Hope this is a good sign for all future first days of school. lol
Jen@The Decor Scene says
Oh how sweet. She is growing up so quick. She looks like such a big girl in these pictures. Thanks for sharing. :)
Alice says
I did first day of school photos for all three of my kids every year in front of the fireplace. When the first one went off to college, I took one last school photo on moving day. I couldn’t believe how quickly it all went.
gia says
aww she looks sooo happy!
loving the bag too!!
my 10 month old will start day care next month after my mom leaves and I am dreading it :(