"First Day of School... First Day of School... "

Remember Nemo shouting that to his dad in the beginning of Finding Nemo? (Or, "Memo", as Sydney used to call him?) That's exactly what Samuel shouted this morning, when he came running into our room to wake us up at 6 am. (Yes, you read that right... my son woke us up at 6 am!! If you know my kids, you know this is probably a first!! We Espinosas are LATE sleepers!!!!)

Samuel & Sydney were both so excited to start school today! They each met their teachers yesterday afternoon, which really helped to build the excitement. Their teachers are so wonderful! Samuel's teacher, Miss Higgins, is from Australia. She is 26 & this is her first year teaching. She's vibrant & energetic & excited to be teaching! Sydney's teacher, Miss Nat (Natalya), is from England. She is also young & has a 9-month-old baby girl. Sydney thinks that Miss Nat should bring her daughter, Sophie, to school with her. She is dying to get her little hands on that sweet baby! I couldn't have asked for better teachers for the kiddos!

With the advice of their guidance counselor, I decided to put them in different classes. I'm easily swayed! I was so dead set against separating them, but after today, I am glad I was persuaded to make that decision. I think it will really help Sydney gain some independence and ease some of her timidity. I'm hoping she'll come out of her shell during this time in school.

When I picked them up this afternoon, the very first thing Sydney told me was that she loved her new school & she couldn't wait to come back tomorrow. And, the first thing Samuel told me was that he was sad because he didn't get to see Sydney very much at school. (He is most definitely my sensitive child.) It was completely opposite of what I had anticipated! But, never one to shy away, Samuel already made a new friend & we went to his house this afternoon for a playdate.

I am thrilled that they have this opportunity to meet new friends and classmates who are so different from them. I am grateful that they will be attending school with children from all around the world... China, Australia, India, Japan, Ireland, etc., just to name a few. They will be exposed to so much culture! It will be wonderful!