**** WARNING!!!  THIS POST CONTAINS GRAPHIC POST-OP IMAGES. ****

The first week of school was fairly uneventful, thankfully.  Even with a suspected case of pinkeye (which was tested and found to be negative) and a random virus for Amai- it’s nothing compared to what we went through last year.  She’s going to have a great year!  I went to the grade level meeting and was surprised at how much stuff they’ll be learning this year.  It’s so exciting to me!  She will have homework every night (not so exciting) and will learn so much- I can’t wait to see how she grows and changes over the year.

For a refresher, this is what happened on the first night of school last year:

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Chris has played soccer his entire life.  He loves it.  And I love that he still plays.  But last year on the first Monday of school, he called me after having been at his game for about 10 minutes to tell me about his accident.  You can read the whole story here.  And here are some more pics of that night and week that I didn’t get to add because that week was insane.

Still had his soccer gear on. Could hardly move because his head hurt so bad.

On the way home.

So this is how we spent Friday of the first week of school last year.  Chris’s surgeon was amazed at the damage done- but was able to fix everything with a titanium plate and 20 something screws.  If you ever have an injury or a need for a plastic surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Lunde in Plano.  He’s awesome.

ouch!

My poor hubby.  He was a good patient.  So glad we don’t have to go through that again any time soon.

So thankful we didn’t have to have major surgery on the schedule this week!

Dear Amai,

In case I forget, it takes my breath away to see you walk into school by yourself.  Even after a full year- I still can’t believe you’re in elementary school.  Wasn’t I just swaddling you yesterday?

Though it can wear me out at times, I love your intensity and zeal for living more than I can put into words.  I realized on this first morning of first grade how much you’ve grown up in just one year.  You are an incredible little girl and I am excited to learn and grow with you in your second year of schooling.  If you mature and change as much as you did last year, I can’t imagine where we’ll be by June.

I walked you into your classroom.  You were completely focused on putting your backpack away and sitting in your seat before the bell rang.  You looked so cute in that dress and headband with your new shoes.  I couldn’t be prouder of who you are.  Thanks for coming back out of the classroom to give me a hug.  This year is going to be awesome!  As always, I’m here for you- to love you, to mame and pillage for you if needed, to guide you, to discipline you when necessary, to help you grow up and eventually spread your wings to fly.  I love you so…

Too early for pictures.

Our first grader.

She did these poses on her own- unprompted.

That's just how she rolls.

The new shoes.

A kiss for Mama.

Vibrant spirit.

They look so sweet don't they?

We actually forced them to hold hands.

She was all business.

And ready for me to leave her alone.

So proud of you, Amai!

It’s “Surprise” week at IHF.  I love this pic of one of my dear friend’s little boy. He was so shocked every time my flash went off. I could just eat him up! Drool and all. And I’ll admit- I’m a little jealous of his lashes.

Baby D!