First Day Jitters

This is a paper chain count down we made!

Wow - so today was the big day at our house!  Braden started Kindergarten.  

This means full days at school every day of the week.  About a week ago you could have asked me how I felt about it and although I said I was sad, I was mostly excited for him.  For the growth that will take place, for this step in his life and for the new adventure for us all.  Today however - I am just plain sad.  I didn't anticipate feeling this way which is why I think it has hit me like a ton of bricks.

Olivia and I snuck down last night and decorated our large kitchen window.  It was a fun surprise this morning for him.  We talked while we ate pancakes about what to do with his supplies, a reminder of what his teachers name was and what lunch time might be like.  He was nervous... which made his mommy nervous.

Before long it was time to go.  Unfortunately it was raining so my picture perfect - first day - family walk to school - wasn't going to happen.  We drove and Steve stayed in the car with the girls while I walked  him in.  I sat with him outside the classroom door and when his teacher rounded the corner with the rest of the class who had been waiting in the gym (due to the rain) he found his friend Patrick which eased his worries.  

He quickly asked me his teachers name again and said out loud when she was in ear shot, "Hi Mrs. Thiel."  He waved and she waved back.  This was when it hit me.  Wow - he's not mine anymore.  Ugh... that ton of bricks came down suddenly and I felt overwhelmed with emotion.  I held it together the best I could, gave him a quick kiss and sent him in.  I wasn't the only parent in tears and I was actually one of the first to leave.  Many stepped into the classroom but I chose not to. I know how hard that can be on everyone...parent, child, and teacher... so I walked away, climbed into the car and felt very empty.

Don't get me wrong - I am still super excited for him but I did a lot of wandering around this morning wondering what to do with myself.  He is the most wonderful little boy and is growing up into such a great person.  This is a big step for him and I cannot wait to go get him after school today.  This mommy is longing for a HUGE hug (hopefully it won't embarrass him!!)

Olivia and I got into a groove while Norah slept and we played Bendaroos for a while then we cleaned both bathrooms and finished up the baby food I started yesterday.  I know this time with her will be special and I need to cherish it because before I know it she will be off to school as well.

Happy First Day Braden!