Off to School

Well, the day has arrived. James was off to school this morning. And, in typical James' fashion, he never looked back. He marched right up to his classroom, unloaded his bookbag, found his nametag, sat down in his chair, opened up his playdough, and that was that.

Dad and I tried to say 'bye' and 'have fun' but I don't think he even noticed. But, you know, I'm glad. It kept me from completely losing it infront of him. (I waited until I turned my back and walked out into the hall!) :) However, it was minimal. I think I had cried out that moment in the preceding days.

What I wasn't prepared for were the tears that would randomly happen throughout this day. Seeing his toys laying around, for example. Or his pillow. It's like I really can't believe that time is his life is over. He's growing up and there isn't one thing I can do about it.

James laid out his school clothes the night before. He also packed up his backpack and set out his shoes.
Such a handsome boy
Isabel gave him a big hug and told him she was going to miss him. Totally on her own. She really does understand the situation.
My 3 babies
One with Mom. (James was starting to get sick of pictures at this point - he kept saying "can we just go now?")
Standing out front of the school
Welcome Polar Bears!
In the lineup
His teacher giving him his nametag
One last smile as he took his seat
Then it was all about the playdough!
I told you I cried
Afterwards, they had muffins and juice in the library for the parents.
Isabel though that part was great!
I'm grateful for these two. I look forward to the adventures we have coming our way!

I love being a Mom. There is nothing else I would rather do. All the energy and time and love I've been pouring out to my kids for the last few years always comes back to me ten-fold. And, all I have to do is spend time with them to know I'm doing it right.

Moments like today feel like a huge accomplishment to me. I look at James and I see the wonderful young boy I have raised. He is sweet, smart, and so happy. It makes me proud to see what he's become, and I know his Dad and I have prepared him well for his new adventures.

Thank goodness he's only away from me for a few hours a day though. I miss him terribly.