In Your Tartan Dress, With Your Lunchbox

All things considered, La Luz's first day of school went swimmingly. It is no secret that I was a bit apprehensive, but I really shouldn't have been. She was excited about her uniform, all gigantic and perfectly laid out the night before next to her red keds. Once dressed, she was ready to go.

Her dress is ridiculous (too big, no monogram) and she looks rather 'street urchin-like':


But, consider how the morning started out:


The scene at the school was sort of surreal. Moms and dads were walking their children down the hallway, video cameras in hand, faces red and tear-streaked. But our arrival wasn't at all like that. I carried La Luz into her classroom, introduced us to the parents, teachers and children already in the room, and proceeded to enjoy an imaginary tea party for about five minutes before leaving. My departure was not nearly as dramatic as I expected. There's no doubt she was scared, but she was distracted by all of the toys, and her cubby and the other children. Maybe the novelty will wear off, but for now the distractions are welcome.

I had a tough time capturing a decent picture of La Luz in her uniform. She is generally a compliant subject, but never on a day when I really want her to sit still for a picture:


My hope is that eventually there will be more pictures of La Luz in her uniform than anyone cares to look out. For now, these will have to do.