First Day of School!

Matthew and Andrew started school on Tuesday, and the Bug started on Thursday, but I dressed Katie for her first day so that we could do school photos all together.

It's a milestone year for our family with Andrew starting first grade, and Kaitlin rounding out our 6 year pre-school tour.

First grade is a tough one for me.

It was hard sending Matthew off, and it was no different with Andrew. Though I was all smiles and excitement on the outside, I had a lump in my throat and an ache in my heart on the inside. 

 

Those little baby steps away...the letting go bit by bit that tug at a Mother's heart. I know some moms aren't as bothered by these transitions. I was invited for Mimosa's/coffee at one of Andrew's friends' houses to celebrate the first day of school, and I made an excuse not to go. I didn't have plans, but I knew I'd be fighting back tears.  I knew I'd need just a little time to myself.  And I did.

But first, there were first day of school photos to take!



Matthew:  Age 9.
When I grow up I want to be:  An inventor.
I could definitely see him doing engineering with his mind for designing, drawing, building and great ability to visualize.  He definitely follows in both grandfather's footsteps (who were Electrcial &  Nuclear engineers).
Teacher:  Mrs. Daniels  (and because I'm late in posting this I can report that she's his favorite so far!)
He was very nervous before school started, but had a great first day!

And the follow up is that Matthew is doing well ~ he doesn't have many friends in his class, and is separated from William for the first time which was hard ~ he was quite sad ~ but is doing fine.  His complaint, which has been the same each year, is that school is too easy...a good problem to have.




Andrew: Age 7
When I grow up I want to be: "An Army Guy"
Teacher: Ms. Cocklin

Andrew was all excitement before school, but got in the van and said it was a "horrible" day.  The next day was better....Andrew takes longer than the average child with transitions so I kept that in mind when I heard his report.

I walked the boys up to school and we did our traditional photo with the fox.




I gave them kisses and hugs and they ran excitedly through the front door and that was it.

Like I said, first grade is hard.

It marks the end of a phase in life that I really love and cherish.  And I want this for them.  I am happy for them.  For the friendships they make, the fun that they have, the lessons they learn.   I loved school and I am happy they have this experience.  Every day I am happy for them, but the first day of school just marks that significant milestone and I just have to give myself that moment.

My personal tradition is to have my little moment and then go and drown my sorrow in a pumpkin spice latte.

It totally helps.



I couldn't be sad for too long because I still have this little face smiling up at me.
That helps a lot.
We won't even talk about when she starts first grade!
After all, we have an agreement that she's going to stay 4 for a few more years.

 I was really looking forward to picking up the boys and enjoying our other first day of school tradition...



Apple cupcakes!

Kaitlin even asked "Can we go get the boys?"  She missed them too.
Soon enough, it was time.



We sat at the table, ate cupcakes and talked about the day.



These two boys are so different, and so wonderful.  I love getting to be their mom.

 

 “You're off to Great Places! 

Today is your day!

 Your mountain is waiting, 

So... get on your way!” 

~ Dr. Seuss