School Days

Where does the time go? I've often said that as I lacked at posting for long gaps of time, but today the question is more like -- how have my kids grown to be 5 & 3 and SCHOOL AGED? Keaton -- you might be forced to stay a baby forever -- however, let me be clear -- the type of baby that is potty trained and sleeps through the night... got it?

Nearly 3 weeks ago, my first baby started Kindergarten. What is it about Kindergarten that makes moms so crazy? Especially with their first (and raging postpartum horomones)? Colton showed both signs of excitement and nervousness, but we worked through those feelings and gathered up our supplies (and what felt like 5 new pairs of shoes....checkbook is still recovering!) and conquered the first day of school. I'm not sure what he was more excited for -- his first day of gym class, which meant he got to wear his new hightops, or just getting his first day under his belt in general. Lucky for us -- he had gym as his special on the first day. Double score.  Here are a few pics of Colton's first day of Kindergarten.

1st Day of Kindergarten

Waiting to go into the classroom with cousin Isaac.

Finding his cubby, but keeping an eye on Mom...

Here we go! No tears...he was so brave! 

Shortly after this last picture was taken, Colton looked up at me, as my eyes started to gloss over with tears and he said, "Mom, are you going to cry?" and I sucked it up, told him no, wished him a good day, and darted out the door. By the time I hit the car, I had full on ugly tears -- full of pride for him being so brave and sad that my baby isn't a baby anymore. Holy cow that went fast!

Loves the bus!

Kindergarten is EXHAUSTING....can you tell?

 In the meantime, we've overcome the fear of being dropped off (vs. riding the bus with friends) only because it's more convenient for me to drop him off at the school on my way past in en route to Pam's. Now he's wanting to be dropped off farther and farther back on the sidewalk and running into the school anxious to see his friends. We are so glad that he's adjusted well. Let the school years begin!

 Today - the tides turned a bit. Instead of being nervous and anxious, Colton was doling out advice as Emmalyn strapped on her new school shoes, buckled up her backpack and headed off to preschool. Preschool is easier on Mom. Not sure why -- maybe it's because I know she's only there a couple of hours and the hardest homework she'll have is coloring and mastering coloring in the lines.

  Emmalyn was super excited. We did her back to school night last night and it was a "all about Em" evening. We went to her school, met her teachers, saw where she'd place her backpack, and then on the way home....stopped for an ice cream date. She loved being the center of attention while the boys were both home with Stacy!  (Thank GOD for good friends! :)) This morning she popped right out of bed, put on her pretty purple outfit, didn't complain about me doing her hair, ate a good breakfast and off we went. No tears, a little apprehension once we got to the school, but I do believe she was one of maybe 3 who weren't crying when we left, so that's a small victory, right?  Three years has passed much too fast. Emmalyn -- you are such a beauty!

1st Day of Preschool

Hanging up her coat.

She grabbed the right box and found her seat right away. 

Love this girl!

Goofy Girl!

So. Here we are. Fully submerged in the days of homework, reading logs, school night bedtimes and lunch menu's. And we're surviving. With a newborn. Go us!  The only worry I have left is that people say the years don't go any slower, and that scares me to death. Trying to enjoy every minute. These kiddos are too precious not to stop and enjoy these moments with!