First of First

The Little Guy woke up early this morning. I thought he might, since he seemed so excited for school to start yesterday. But, when he woke up he was crying. "I feel like I'm going to throw up." He told me. We've just gotten over a stomach bug here, and for a second I thought we were starting a second round. Then I took a good look at him. He was a full-blown nervous wreck! I helped him get ready, eat breakfast, and brush his teeth. By the time he was ready to grab his shoes and backpack I could tell the nerves had settled down and excitement was mounting. By the time we got to the bus stop he was almost giddy, and when he realized he had a buddy to ride the bus with it didn't even matter that I was there. He let me take a few pictures, and he remembered to give me a hug before jumping on the bus. Tomorrow he'll be making the trek (to the end of our street) by himself.

One day soon our dirt patch will have grass, and our sidewalk will be clean . . .

If you would have asked me mid-summer if I was ready for him to go to 1st grade I would have shouted "YES!" But, somehow as the end of summer vacation grew closer I started dreading sending my little buddy off to school. I've realized I'm going to be one of "those moms" who never thinks anything is good enough for her son. Hopefully I can learn to calm down a little bit, but I really wish I could just keep him here with me for a little bit longer. He is ready to "grow up", ready to eat lunch in the cafeteria, and ready to use the coveted hall-pass to use the school's bathroom. (Don't ask me about that one. He was super excited to find out there wasn't a bathroom in his class and that he'd have to walk down the hall if he had to go.) He is a cool kid. I don't know how much I had to do with that, but I'm excited to see what this new year brings. Still . . . I miss him already.