It's that time again! The summer has come and gone at lightning speed, and here we are sending our little loves off for their first day of school.
Millie Janalee will be starting her year in the four year old preschool class with most of her same friends from PreK3. It is such a sweet class, and they have all missed each other this summer! The child is a girl after my own heart when it comes to waking up early for school, but once the initial trauma was over...she couldn't wait to go to Mrs. Kaylee and Mrs. Catherine's class. I know she will have such a wonderful year and learn so much!
This is the first year Smith has gone anywhere away from home. It has taken a year for him to not cry hysterically when we drop him off at the church nursery, so I have been very nervous all summer about him starting school. He will be starting the toddler class with two sweet ladies. I have heard mothers singing their praises all summer, so I know he is in good hands.
I packed his little backpack with a lunch, a zippy cup, change of clothes, extra paci, lovey and blanket for nap time, and his little class folder. Russ is off work this week, so he was able to go with us and be my moral support.
I have looked forward to having a couple mornings a week all to myself all summer. I just knew I would be waving goodbye before I even got to the classrooms. But the more I thought about how precious it is watching them go together to the same school, my heart became full! And I realized how sweet this time is.
I envision many more years of saying, "Take care of your brother today." I hope Smith doesn't actually see her today, because I'm sure that would leave him devastated that she couldn't stay in his room. But knowing they are together in the same building makes me feel a little better.
We decided to take Millie Janalee first since we expected Smith's drop off to be traumatic. She led the way while we followed behind...me taking pictures of her sweet little backside with that sweet backpack. Until she said, "Mama! That's enough." Haha! Oh, the threenager is still in there - inside that four year old body.
She was a little hesitant at first, but I held her hand and led her into her new classroom where all her friends were playing. Her teacher showed her where her little cubby was, and she put her backpack away. When she turned around, she had a smile on her face. So I know she's good for the day!
We absolutely love our preschool! For so many reasons. But the teachers there are just precious! They love our babies like their own and I know they are teaching them so much! Not just educationally, but spiritually. Our preschool really is one of our biggest blessings - if not the biggest - of our move here. Very thankful!
I gave Millie Janalee a kiss and moved along to the toddler room. Smith started crying the second we walked in. As expected. I was able to find the farm just like our farm at home, and he sat right down and started playing. I sat awhile and took a picture or two before sneaking out.
And that's when the surprise emotion came! I cried myself to the car. I kept picturing his little face when he looks up and realizes I left him. Waaaahh! I just left my baby! The one I was so excited to send.
The days are so long. But the years are TOO SHORT! My little babies. Wild or not - they are mine! My wild ones. And I love them so!
Praying over all the teachers, staff, and children this year as they begin another amazing year!
