Andrew goes to Kindergarten!

I know that it's so cliche' to say, but really, it goes by so fast! And, in this case, went by too fast! It cannot possibly be more than 5 years & 4 months since our first little guy looked like this:

And, now...Kindergarten!

His first day was this past Monday. So unreal. Such a mixture of emotions. Excitement with a pang of sadness, especially at the realization that our lives will never be the same. We've entered the realm of "school days" and with that comes a whole different schedule, involvement, and general busyness. Plus, this mama worries about all those unpleasant things like negative influences from other kids, hurt feelings, bullies, broken hearts. Ugh!
But, it's exciting too--learning new things, trying new things, growing. Spreading his little wings! And he was so excited. All ready to go with a gift for his teacher in hand (that he helped make) and his new Star Wars bag on his back!

We're only a week in, but so far, we're really liking his teacher and are really comfortable with the decision we made in his school. There are so many options near us ( including numerous private, public, & charter) and thankfully, this has been great so far.
The week before school there was a meet-the-teacher night just for the Kindergarten. Andrew is part of the "Bee" class. Each Kindergarten class has an animal theme and since his teacher is Mrs. B, they are appropriately named the "B's".

The theme is fun! And, going a few days before made him more comfortable on that first day. That first day was a big family outing with all of us going. Mommy managed without many tears, though I did get rather choked up a few times. And, then, I got really emotional sitting in the pick up line. As soon as he spotted the car, he was so happy, waving excitedly! The tears came then. If the last 5 years have gone by so quickly, I know it will be all too soon that I won't be getting those enthusiastic little waves. So, I'm relishing all this little, tender moments right now.
This week he's wanted me to walk with him to class the each day and I've happily obliged. Even though he's been excited, you can still sense his nervousness as we get to school. So, I'm happy to take his hand & walk him in.
Then, the sweetest thing has happened everyday as we say goodbye...
Tuesday, I took him on my own with Eli & Owen too of course. There is a picnic table right outside his room that I had sat down on. Baby Owen was in the sling and Eli (really nervous about all the people) was right by my side. I said goodbye to Andrew and asked for a hug. So, he turned around & gave me one. Then, with no prompting from me, he hugged baby Owen too & gave him a little kiss. And, then, turned to Eli and gave him a big kiss on the head. Melt.My.Heart.

So now, we're trying to get adjusted and settle in to yet another big change (we've had a lot of changes around here lately). Here's hoping that it all continues to go rather smoothly!