First day of FIRST grade!

My little Riley is now officially a FIRST GRADER! I definitely did better this year than I did last year. When Riley started Kindergarten, I cried and stood outside her classroom door staring at her as she was getting introduced to the other kids. I was heartbroken that I couldn't be there with her...

Today, though, I was really excited for her to get back in the classroom and make new friends. None of the kids in her Kindergarten class are in this new class with her and I know she was anxious about it -- but she did great. Her teacher, Mrs. Graves, is very friendly and sweet and knew exactly what to do to make her feel comfortable.

Mrs. Graves asked Ronan and I to stay in the classroom for about 45 minutes to help her out (by organizing the kids and their school supplies) to which I happily agreed. If it meant that I could be there to see Riley a little longer and see who her classmates were, I was going to accept it!

Anyway, here is a picture of Riley with Ronan this morning. After 10 hours of sleep, Riley was completely refreshed and in good spirits -- at least enough to pose in a few pictures to satisfy her momma.

Here's Riley outside with her new Hannah Montana lunchbag (thanks Becktor and Thalia). Everything on her -- from head to toe -- is new. New black shirt, khaki shorts, white socks and Camp Rock shoes.

If anyone remembers what she looked like last year on her first day, you'll remember her hair was shorter than chin length and she still had these chubby cheeks...well, their gone. Her hair is long now and her cheeks aren't baby chubby anymore...she's just become such a big girl.