We went to see her classroom and scope out the school a week prior to the first day of school. When I checked into the office the principal seemed a little gruff and I was nervous about how Miriam would do since the school we moved from had a principal that was friendly and kind to every student. He may have called her "Maren", but at least he was consistent in calling her the wrong name which means he thought he knew her name. Anyway, she had me call Doug and the girls in while she went and checked to see if we could see Miriam's classroom. By the way, it was only one week before school and they still didn't have the classroom lists finalized. When the principal came back she had Miriam's teacher with her and she was willing to give us a tour of the whole school! Once Miriam was in the office the principal soften a LOT and was really cute with her. I was so relieved because Miriam really is terrified of making mistakes and doing things wrong. Authoritative people really make her nervous.
The tour of the school was great and Miriam really liked her teacher. I was relieved because her teacher last year was absolutely amazing. I had debated on talking to her teacher about Miriam's anxiety. Sometimes NOT knowing makes it a little easier to deal with the situation, but it can also come as quite a shock when you aren't prepared. When we went in a week later to drop off supplies I mentioned it when Mrs. Mochel asked if there was anything she needed to know. I'm not sure if it helped or hindered, but Miriam has loved going to school since the first day. She's made two new friends that she just loves. One of them is because Mrs. Mochel moved the desk of one little girl next to Miriam's when she heard Miriam was looking forward to making new friends. I KNOW Heavenly Father was answering my prayers through that one little thing. I had been praying and praying that Miriam would be able to make friends that would love her and play with her all the time instead of her being the "extra friend" that would only be asked to play when there wasn't anyone else. She struggled with that last year. She was a great friend to everyone and would love and care for them when they were sad or hurt, but no one really paid much attention to her unless they were sad, hurt, or no one else was around.
We took Miriam to school the first day of school. I walked her to her classroom and she asked me to come inside with her. Back in the corner where she puts her backpack I gave her a hug and a kiss and said good luck. She grabbed my hand, looked me in the eye, and in a teeny tiny voice said, "Mommy I'm scared." The tears I had been holding back just about exploded out of my eyes. I gave her another hug and told her everything would be fine and that I'd help her get to her seat. All the kids were watching her (she HATES it when people look at her). I could just feel the terror running through her. When we got to her desk and she scooted in her teacher came over and took my place. When I left she was introducing her to the girl next to her. I made it to the car and then I lost it and started bawling. Good thing Doug had come with me so he could drive.
I'm just so proud of Miriam! She is working so hard to become a better speller, writer, mathematician, etc. It's so fun to see her get off the bus and give Shaylynn a huge hug. I'm the luckiest person alive to have such a daughter!
I had an outfit all picked out for her first day of school. Miriam decided she wanted something different. I really had a hard time letting go and letting her pick something I didn't think was deserving of the honor of being the "first day of school outfit", but it was her special day. As it turned out, she kept everything the same except the shirt. Doesn't she look adorable in those boots!!!!!!!
