He's Growing Up

First Day of Preschool

I thought I was ready. I thought of all the things he was going to learn and all the friends he was going to make. This is good. I am ready for him to have all the experiences school has to offer. Until.

Until he put on his new rocket backpack. Until I saw just how much he has grown over the summer. Until it hit me just how fast it goes. Until I realized that from now on, he will always be in school until he leaves our home (well, unless he lingers a bit too long in college and we're forced to cut him off) .

I honestly didn't think I was going to cry because I was SO EXCITED for him. Until the clock read it was time to take him to school. Until he grabbed his dad's hand as they walked out to the truck.

I cried all the way to school but pulled myself together just in time to walk in. Until.

Until I saw his name on his own locker. Until I saw his teacher guide him to his chair to play.

I cried some more. And then pulled myself together for real.

Wayne and I went to lunch (where I promptly ordered a Lemon Drop Martini - no judgments, please!) and reminisced about Caeden and how fast it has gone, and how proud we are of him ... of us ... to actually be parents of a child in school. It really makes me feel like I am in a new "Mom Circle/Group" now that I have to worry about snacks days and volunteering for the Christmas program.

Then we picked him up from school. It was an amazing feeling to watch the kids all run out of the room and into their parents' arms. To lock eyes with Caeden and feel his little arms wrap around me and give me a squeeze was the BEST feeling. He had a great time. Sang songs, colored a picture, listened to a story ...

I am just so thankful he enjoyed himself (after the gym playroom situation I was a bit nervous). I am truly thankful for this day. Progress is a wonderful thing.