With seven days of kindergarten behind us, Ella is slowly adjusting to the idea that yes, we go to school Monday through Friday, with generally no exceptions.  I have yet to break it to her that this will go on through 2035, assuming she goes to medical school or 2034 for law school.  I guess we'll give her the option.  She is taking Spanish class twice weekly and has a full hour of art!  She marches home, her hand in mine, reciting the pledge of allegiance in earnest, interpreting it as a kindergartner does.  I try to stifle a giggle.  Other parents introduce themselves to me, letting me know that Ella's name has come up at their dinnertime conversations...thankfully, in a way that makes us proud.  Phew.  She just received a good behavior award today, one she's been gunning for since day one.  I congratulate her with a hug and a hand squeeze but assure her that everyone has less than perfect days, days where she may not be lauded and she will be loved no matter what.  Her drive for good behavior is both a relief and a concern.  Jerry and I are also slowly adjusting to life with a kindergartner.  Mornings start much earlier as we have to fit in breakfast and two separate drop offs.  It is important to me that the girls not feel rushed.  We are trying hard to navigate the 10 Gazillion emails being sent to our inbox daily.  Correspondence from the Spanish teacher, the two classroom teachers, the principal, the PTO and the super-intendant.  I feel way too informed.  We are also trying to manage the daily task of making school lunches.  Ugh, I never thought I would face a task with such dread.  Costco has taken over our pantry.  We've stepped up the brown bag lunch thanks to expert advice on how to keep a hot dog warm using a thermos (thanks Mandy!).  Who knows, next week we may take it to the next level and pack a duck confit salad with a crock of tapenade.  We really need to be on our game because word is, Giada Delaurentis is making an appearance at our school in the coming months.  No joke, it's part of the author's program.   And even though so much of life seems to be falling through the cracks right now, I'm happy to say that love notes get slipped into her lunch bag daily.  It's been great seeing how far I can challenge her with reading, knowing that as she eats her Sunbutter sandwich she is eagerly trying to sound out my messages.
In other exciting news, Viv is rocking the preschool scene.  Her cubby has been full of birthday party invites.  She announces her presence with the clomp, clomp, clomp of dress-up heels (where did she get this?) and is learning how to perfect the letter "V".  Her artwork is controlled and thoughtful.  Dresses are a requisite, that is if we want our mornings to remain pleasant.  Both knees are skinned but she doesn't slow down.  Rascal is a word that comes to mind when I think of Vivian right now.  Her smile and carefully parceled out affections cancel out any hard feelings lately.  She knows just when to deliver the best hugs and kisses. 
Despite moving the alarm clock up thirty minutes in the mornings and the transition to new routines and new expectations, it's been great watching the girls take these next steps.