Dear Aidan,
Dude. We did it. You started Kindergarten today–a day you’re more than ready for. The sunrise was a glowing sphere the color of tangerine and you had eaten every bite of the pancakes with a chocolate chip smiley face I prepared for you.
You were wearing khaki shorts, a navy blue and green striped polo and your orange tennis shoes. Wait, yes! I said khaki shorts! You have flat-out refused to wear khakis or jeans the entire year. The outfit item of choice is cozies. Yet yesterday, when I told you what school clothes are supposed to be like, you came around. You always do this you know. You always take your sweet time getting there, but pull through when it counts.
I didn’t think I would cry. I don’t know why I thought my sensitive self would be fine, but I did. Perhaps because you’ve been going to daycare a couple of days a week since you were three, perhaps because we’re pals and we’ve always hugged, kissed, high-fived and rocked anything we need to together.
I was wrong.
When I was loading the dishwasher and you turned around, first day of school outfit on and the lizard backpack you chose snug to your back–I just couldn’t help it. Warm tears pooled in my eyes and a less than attractive cry-smile beamed on my face.
So we begin. You going to school and growing up, me learning how to let go a little at a time. That’s my job. To prepare you the best I can, to help mold you into a unique, responsible person ready for life and to let you experience it. There are so many lessons you will learn. I can hear myself now, at your high school graduation, “Goodness, it feels like he started Kindergarten just yesterday!”
Today is that day, and I could not possibly be more proud to be your mama. We’ve done our best so far, and I know you will listen to your teacher, I know you will be kind to the other students. I’m not entirely sure you won’t pull the classroom frog out of its tank to play with it, but I’m hoping on this one.
I will remember this day and the way you looked, always.
Love,
Mom
Oh my gosh, look at him with his little backpack. Heck, I’d cry, too.
Congrats, Mom!
Tawna
Thanks, Tawna!
Yeah, the backpack totally did me in.
So cute! You guys are the sweetest things ever. Great job, Penelope.
Good luck, Aidan!
sometimes i feel like every minute after meeting them is about learning to let them go a little bit more.
i hope he has an awesome day.
Way to go Aidan (and mom)!!!
Sweet sweet memories. Yes, next week as he graduates, you’ll cry then too! I have each of our kids “first day of school” deeply etched into my minds eye. FOr me, that’s one of life’s memories that mean more than most as they grow. Such a mile stone, such a giant step into that headlong race we as parents dread, and we, when we were children, raced to embrace.
Much love to you three!
Thank you!! The three of us enjoyed our morning very much.
This was one milestone of many more to come and we’re excited about it!
I love this. I’m sure he’ll have the greatest time ever.
I was really proud of both of you this morning. A’s acceptance of new clothing and his confidence as he got out of the car were amazing. I was also very proud that you prepared him so well and still managed to let go and hold the full-fledged waterworks back. Love you both.
Thank you so much for being there for us. We love you, too.
I’m with James on this one, it’s a constant pang in your chest knowing that each day with them is fleeting. This made me well up, thinking about the day I put W on the bus and send him off into the world of meanie-pants jerk kids. Hopefully I’ve taught him enough hand-to-hand combat to get him through the first few years of schoolyard battle.
Maybe I should get him a tattoo, really drive the point home. I’m pretty sure he’ll be the first kid in kindergarten with a beard, as-is.
The beard and tattoo should answer any questions the other kids have. Yes. Definitely.
At least the day didn’t involve a school bus. I may really have lost it then.
also, Kyle commenting on the blog = facemeltingsweetness
This post warms my heart. Especially the part about the khakis. Great job, Aidan!
Thanks! I was so excited about the clothing change I really could have written an entire post focused on that. He tried on jeans yesterday for the first time in well over a year!
Welcome to the world of parenting a school-aged child! He looks adorable.
you are such a wonderful mommie. what an amazing little guy you have raised so far… you have prepared him well for this day and i can imagine what a popular boy he will be at school. congrats on your son’s first day!
Awww! You’re getting me all choked up again.
Thanks for the awesome compliments and well wishes. We appreciate all the help Auntie Chelsea has provided over the years very much around here.
I’m tearing up. I remember holding him when he was born. Wasn’t it just yesterday we met and became life long friends in 3rd grade?
I feel like it WAS just yesterday! And now our kids are growing up. It’s really incredible when I stop to think about it.
oh my. what a precious boy on his first day. i’m so proud that you’re my friend and that we’re mommies together. love you
I cried my eyes out this year. My kids are in second and first grade. WHAT happened?