The Big Day .... Kindergarten and 2nd Grade!

Well, the countdown is finally over, school has officially started. Luke started kindergarten and Emily is a big 2nd grader. How could I already have two kids in school? It is so hard to believe that our preschool days are over.

The kids had a great first day. I knew Emily would be fine. For her, it was like just taking up where she left off in May. But I was anxious to see how Luke would do. Well, he did great!! So, grown up!! In fact he even told me, "Mommy, you are going to miss me so much. You are going to be so lonely now when you go to the grocery store without me." As hard as that is for me to hear, I am glad he is confidant and ready to start this next stage in his life.

Emily and Luke were both eager to go this morning. Jeff and I were both able to go and drop them off together. We all got through the morning with no tears. I knew I would miss them, but I was excited to come back and get them to hear all about their day. Luckily, I did not have to stay away long because Luke's teacher asked me to come back at 10:45 to help out with lunch. That was a great way for Mommy to gradually break away from her little one.

It has been our tradition on the first day of school for my mother to come with me to pick up the kids and then go get ice cream. We walked up to get the kids and they were both so excited to tell me about their day.

It was so sweet to hear all of the things that both Emily and Luke wanted to tell me. I know that Luke had only been away from me for a few hours, but he seemed so much older now when he was talking to me. His expression, tone and thoughts were no longer that of a preschooler, but one of a BIG kindergarten kid. I guess I had already forgotten how much growth is made during the kindergarten year. I was not overwhelmed with sadness this morning when I left him, but honestly tonight my heart is sad. Don't get me wrong, I am delighted my little boy had a terrific day, but as he talked non-stop through supper tonight to me and his daddy about his day, I realized how much he grew up today and will continue to do so throughout the next year. It just reminded me once again our preschool days our over. For the last eight years, my life has been dedicated to being a stay at home mom. But now, those words mean a little bit different to me. Gone are the days of dirty diapers, bottles and naps and I will admit that it does makes me sad. My house is now quiet throughout most of the day and those sweet little shadows that were once so closely behind me are growing up and are sitting in desks in a classroom. When I was in that preschool stage there were days that I thought it would never end. But I would be lying if I said I don't miss those days of a baby crying over the monitor as they are waking up from a nap or sweet little hands needing me to help them feed them. Yes, my kids still need me but in a different way now. I guess the realization of that finally hit me tonight as I sat and listened to Luke describe his day. I will never have those days back. They will spend most of their day with someone else and I can just hope and pray when they come home they will not forget to tell me the most important points. I know this is a great time in both of their lives. I am excited to see how they will grow both mentally and physically throughout the next year. Hopefully, there will be tons of good days with just a few bad ones here and there. But I am proud to be Emily and Luke's mom and am honored to be able to experience this next stage in their life with them.

Here a few pictures from our morning!