School Bus

After being in school for 10 days the bus company finally called on Mon to let me know the morning class is on their schedule and what time pick-up would be. So yesterday was her first time riding the bus. I was prepared for a battle, for tears, for refusal to get on the bus - and I did get some of that. I mean, let's face it - this is a totally new experience for her - she's never been on a school bus before. I wondered what she would be thinking if I had her climb up the steps without me; as if I just expected her to get on this strange bus with people she didn't know while I stood outside.

She was fine when the bus pulled up to the curb, "hi bus! hi! hi bus!" Then the doors opened and made that whooshing sound...she didn't quite like it then! I tried to take her hand and walk with her up to the steps, but she kept pulling back, trying to turn back towards home. Uh oh, I thought, this isn't going to go well at all. So I picked her up and carried her on the bus. I saw the other little girl on the bus who is in her classroom and sat her down next to her. She seemed ok with me doing that and I managed to snap a quick picture. I kissed her head, told her I loved her and said bye. But I don't think she really registered what was going on or that I was actually leaving. The aide sat down in the seat across from them and started talking about something so I don't think she actually saw me leave. I wondered if she cried after she realized I wasn't on the bus with her.

She was, of course, all smiles getting off the bus and seeing us there waiting for her. "Mommy!" "Daddy!" The driver told me she did great and didn't cry after they left. Thank goodness! But there is no preschool on Wed, so we'll see how it goes tomorrow. Once she realizes this is the new regular routine instead of me dropping her off at school she might start crying again when I put her on the bus. I hope she doesn't, I hope this is a fun thing for her to ride the bus. I hope it goes well each day and I don't walk away with her crying!

Walking home...yes the backpack is about as big as her! Thank goodness it's light and there isn't much in it! Just a change of clothes and the folder they send home everyday with what they've done. I found smaller backpacks, but then the folder wouldn't fit in them. She likes her backpack though, and I think she looks like scuh a big girl when she's wearing it over her shoulders!