New Starts

Sorry I've been such a bad blogger lately. There has been A LOT happening in our happy household and I've been a bit distracted. I can tell you about one big start, but I'm waiting to blog about an even bigger start until things are more official. I don't want to jinx things too early in the game.

So, on to the start that I can write about right now. After much anxious waiting on her part, Isabelle started Kindergarten and Aiden started 4th grade. I'm not sure what stuns me more, the fact that Isabelle is starting school for the first time, or the fact that Aiden is starting school for the 5th time. How did that happen so fast?!

 We were fortunate enough to get Isabelle in to the same excellent charter school that Aiden attends and we couldn't be happier.  I love having them in the same school. It makes our lives and logistics so much easier! And Aiden is a wonderful older brother, who seeks her out at recess, helps her when she's hurt or confused, and includes her in his games with his friends. He is an amazing example of what a big brother should be, without ever having us have to force him. The natural way he extends his friendship and care with such grace is a reminder to me to be a better friend to my own family members.

Isabelle wasn't at all nervous about her first day of school. She was strong, confident and excited. She's been going to the school every day to pick up Aiden and knew lots of kids and teachers, so it wasn't quite as intimidating as it would be if things were unfamiliar. She walked like she owned the place in her brand new uniform and pink polka-dot backpack. She insisted on wearing the backpack on her back instead of rolling it on its wheels, even though it's almost half her size. You'd think she owned the school! And, a few weeks into it, I'm half-convinced that she really does. :)

 This year , my heart was torn in two, though. Both of my babies were in school and I couldn't be in both places at once. I always take pictures of the kids with their teachers on the first day and was crushed that I would have to choose. Aiden was a great sport, however, and was graciously willing to have his dad take him to class this year. Still, I felt enormous guilt about not being there for him. Fortunately the kids' classrooms are directly across from one another, so I got to spend times with both kids until the last minute.

We were lucky enough to run into his teacher on the way in and she was gracious enough to pose for pictures with Aiden before we had to split up. She was so warm, and has an interesting background and a great attitude. I think Aiden is going to love her. The combination of her style and Aiden's growing maturity have already made the beginning of this school year the smoothest one ever. I'm so proud of him and and can't express how good I feel seeing him happy.

 I  loved the sweet, happy nervous energy that surrounded the parents and kids in the Kindergarten class. There's something inexpressibly precious about that joy of new beginnings and the touch of wistfulness knowing that a phase of our children's lives was ending forever. We knew Isabelle's teacher since Aiden was in pre-school and were thrilled that Isabelle got to be in her class. She has such a sweet, calm aura about her that is perfect for soothing the many anxious people (young and old) that assembled in the room. Isabelle was delighted to see the frogs & fish in the tank and to find her seat. She had big hugs and smiles for the teacher, and starting chatting right away with her more timid table-mates.

When it was time for the parents to leave, I was so proud of her for her composure. There weren't any tears or theatrics, just a simple, generous hug and kiss. I said my goodbyes and was out of the door before the weight of the moment hit me. My baby started Kindergarten and the door of her infancy had finally closed. I had taken everything in stride until then. As I looked over my shoulder into the classroom, where I could see her coloring at her table and joining her peers in a circle around her teacher, my eyes welled up and I choked back a sob. My sweet little girl is growing up. Although I've been through this before with Aiden and there isn't a large impact in how things function in my daily life, I couldn't help but feel the pang all mothers feel as their children bravely take one more step away from them and venture just a  bit farther out onto their own.

Comments

[the Other Heather]

awww...they are so cute <3 and I am so glad you didn't fall off the face of the planet! Welcome back :)

[Amy Pickard]

I have been waiting for those precious pictures! I can't believe that Rye will be joining their ranks next year! Love to you all!

[Grama Kathy]

You think its bad now....just wait until you see them graduate from high school, then college, and then they go and get a life partner and a wedding and then....on my goodness there are more little ones to swoon over. As you know you are all precious to me and I still remember the first day of school....Caress them now...they grow so fast. I love you all and I can't wait for great grandchildren. (we had first of school for 3 this week) Love MOM

["Pretty" old Nana]

It goes sooo fast doesn't it? The day to day routine tends to steal the reality of swiftly passing time away from us. One day you wake up and find the child, who you trusted to a kindergaten teacher for the first time just yesterday, in now sending her own "baby" to her first day of school today. I sometimes sigh about the days so quickly gone in your life and then I remember that I now have this incredible friend to share these sweet memories with. As much as I miss the childhood times, I adore the grown-up times just as much. Enjoy the ride of life. It's bumpy and has all kinds of twists and turns around every corner but it's well worth the price of admission!
Love, Mom aka Nana

[Concerned Citizen]

Hey H.

Great to see you back in blogmire. I can empathize with you on the school thing. I dropped N to Kindergarten the other day and had the same strange feeling. F started a week later in a nearby place also. Spoke with T on Saturday night and heard some interesting news.
:)
SC

[Laura]

Oh, those beautiful faces! My kids are grown but you brought a happy tear to my eye from 15 years ago.