1st Day of School Eve

When Ava's 'hip journey' began our number one goal was to heal her 100% before she started Kindergarten. At the time it seemed so far away but fast forward 18 months and here we are! For the last few weeks all Ava could talk about is starting. This was her first year to go back to school shopping (my little fashionista loved it!) and to pick out a back pack and lunch bag. You can only imagine her excitement when the letter with her teacher assignment came, she got the same teacher Jack had. This is huge, Ava adores Jack and all she has been saying since is "When I'm is Mrs. Ciniewtz's class I'll do......" (That sentence has a hundred different endings.) In preparation for the first day, each kindergarten student was given a paper camera to decorate with things they did over the summer. They are to bring it in the first day to share with their class. A few days ago we began collecting things to put on it. I was a little worried we would not have enough to fill it since we were home most of our summer, but sure enough we filled it up in no time. Ava include our only trip to the beach, a picture of her new baby cousin Emory, her Taylor Swift ticket, her visit to the ER, her cast, a few things from Boston and a her favorite picture from her 'hip walk.' She glued everything on and sprinkled it with glitter, then we practiced what she would would say to her class. My girl is ready to go!

Back to School Collage

I have been going through a million emotions this week. I am so excited for Ava! She is so ready for school (hopefully they can teach her to follow directions!) and having structure is what she needs. This last year has been "spoil Ava" because EVERYONE feels so bad for what she has been through. (Even a stranger gave her a dollar when we were out school shopping because of her current cast!)  I'm also a little nervous to have her out of my sight for so many hours. I'm so use to my little side kick, it's going to weird not to have her around. I'm sure these first few weeks will be quite an adjustment for her (and me), she hardly went to Pre-K last year and is not use to so many hours.  I'm sad to see my baby go but a little thrilled too. This last year we have had a lot of 'togetherness', so quite frankly she is on my last nerve! (I'm sure many Moms can relate!)

So here we are the night before First Day of School Eve. Ava has her new dress laid out and her sparkly shoes (Aunt Susan will be proud) ready to go. We quizzed her a hundred times on what to say if a teacher asks why she is not sitting with her legs crossed (due to her right hip not having full rotation she, is unable to sit 'criss cross applesauce') and reminded her over and over to give her teacher the doctors note for the nurse. Tomorrow morning I will put my baby on the bus and I expect lots of tears (from me not her.)  But I know it is her day! All her hard work has paid off, she is 100% ready. Tomorrow we will set our little butterfly free!! (I'm already crying writing this!) I wish my strong brave girl lots of luck and I know she will do great. All that Ava has been through makes her who she is. Look out world here she comes!!