Welcome Class of 2027!!!

She confidently sauntered into the front door of the elementary school with her polka dot headband, navy blue dress and tights, pink heart leg braces and Minnie Mouse high-top sneakers. Some of the teachers saw Adria and exclaimed, "Could she be any cuter?" That's my girl ;)

Yesterday afternoon was her scheduled time for Kindergarten registration and screening. The school staff handed me a packet upon arrival. At the top it said...

WELCOME CLASS OF 2027!!!!!

Yikes! I've barely gotten my daughter registered for kindergarten and they're already making me think about her graduation day!!! 2027 sounds so futuristic, but I know it'll come all too soon. I hope it takes its time getting here, and I hope the years treat my daughter well.

I didn't know what to expect at this Kindergarten screening...this definitely not the first time she's been tested, but it is a first in many ways. First time preparing to send a child to kindergarten. First time our daughter will be away from both of us for about 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. First time either my husband or I will get first-hand experience with public school.

Neither of us have ever attended a public school. Adrian was home-schooled all through-out his 13 years of school, and I attended four different private Christian schools as well as being home-schooled for 5 years.

We have decided to give it a chance and send Adria to Woodbridge Elementary School. She has been attending their afternoon pre-school program this year and has just loved it! We've been very pleased with the teachers and her overall experience, so this helps give us confidence that she will succeed in this learning environment. Plus, the public school system should be able to provide the special services that her needs require, such as physical therapy and a nurse to assist with catheterizing.

For her, we believe home schooling would not be a wise choice. She is incredibly social and thrives on the daily interaction with other children her age.

Adria outside the entrance to Woodbridge Elementary School on Tuesday.

Naturally, I have some reservations and concerns about what she'll be exposed to in public school, but that's where I'm hoping good parenting and prayer kick in. The good news is that the school district is making big changes for the coming school year and her entire school will just be K to 2nd grade instead of K-4. I like that much better!

After we got our paperwork, Adria lined up to get her picture taken. She was stubborn and frowning at first, but a few tickles got a smile out of her. I was somewhat amused to notice how much shorter she stood when taking her picture than most the other children. She just doesn't seem short to me, but then again she is in the 1 percentile range for her height at her age. That is somewhat related to her spina bifida.

Adria acting bashful as they take her Kindergarten registration picture.

Then they took her down the hall without me to ask questions. About 30 minutes later, she reappeared, somewhat winded from her long walk down the hall. The teacher who had worked with her seemed genuinely impressed. She called her "Little Smarty" and reviewed her results with me.

Adria knew all her letters both upper and lower case, numbers 1-10 (easy...), shapes (including octogon), colors (though gray almost stumped her) and more. She was very pleased and congratulated Adria on being well prepared for Kindergarten!

I hope this does not come across as bragging, because it is really my gratitude for how well Adria is doing. It did not surprise me at all that she did so well, she's known most of those things for a year or two now. But it just reminded me to be thankful for these little yet huge blessings. I know how hard some parents have to work with their children to reach these achievements. Especially many parents of children with spina bifida.

Spina bifida is not something that specifically impacts cognitive ability, however many children can have learning challenges due to complications that can arise from spina bifida. Adria is fortunate to be performing so well.

Once again, I am humbled to be her mother and ever so thankful for every prayer ever said on her behalf. Thank You!

Look out for great things from the Class of 2027!!!