Simple Celebrations

Today was Emma’s first day of nursery school. And while the mere thought of “school” sends me into a rather crazy, anxiety-driven tailspin (public-private- playtime-class size- homework- homeschool- waldorf??) I took a deep breath and reminded myself that for today, it is only Nursery School. And for our family, nursery school is about having fun.



Emma and the fish symbol that helped her find her coat hook and cubby this morning.

So... fun was had! There was freshly-made play dough, a sand table, a doll house, puppets and a train track to explore. There were new songs to sing. There were new children to meet. It was all very sweet.

And then, because I didn’t want this milestone to pass quietly, I thought a little fanfare was in order. Starting nursery school calls for a party! So, inspired by this amazing woman, we had our very own “Start of School Feast,” complete with a handmade crown, favorite foods and a few simple gifts. Emma was thrilled. And I think she really got it….I think she felt in some deep place that she is loved, she is special to us, and we are here by her side. Her bravery and her joyfulness and her sense of adventure did not go unnoticed today.  Yes, there was reason to celebrate!

Days come and days go, and sometimes it’s hard enough to get from breakfast to bathtime. But every once in a while, it can be easy enough to just throw a party in the middle of all that. Nothing fancy.  Just enough to say, “I love you.”