So, today was the day. My boy is now a school kid.

He woke up so ready for it all, happy to get dressed and sport his brand new backpack, full of enthusiasm and chatty all the way down in the car. Mark took the day off, and that made the whole event a bit more special. The crowd gathered outside the creche (the word used for this kindergarten-like building to the side of the school) was intimidating for all of us, and we were relieved when we were invited inside the building.

Apparently, sending notices with instructions doesn't work well here, so almost an hour was spent with the head teacher laying down the ground rules ... for the parents ... which had kids and grownups alike bored and sweaty and feeling the oomph of the moment drip away.

Eventually, the roll was called, so we knew which classroom would be Sam's, then had another half hour of instructions and explanations from his teacher on how things are to work throughout the year.

Here's the photographic account of the morning ...

Shot #1: Sam's ready, willing and able.

Shot #2: The mayhem that is the first morning brings out a bit of anxiety.

Shot #3: Parents are anxious, too.

Shot #4: Puzzle therapy.

Shot #5: Sand -- the great equalizer.

And how did I do? Well ...

Actually, not too badly. With the excess of hoopla ... all in Creole, so MAN! was I glad Mark took the day off to be part of all this ... it was easier for me to focus on factors other than the misery of watching my baby set foot on the speed-of-light growing-up conveyor belt that cranked into gear at the mention of his name on the roll call.

Leaving him was tough, but that's to be expected.

I've had a lot of work to do today, so I've been busy, and do have Cj with me, so my nest still holds one chick needing preening and feeding and hugging.

He's now home, and although not regaling us with tales of fun and wonder, he seems okay.

In other words, I think we've all survived.

Tomorrow is another day.