It's begun!

Liam has started Kindergarten.
He has been so excited to go. Especially to ride the bus. I have NOT been counting down the days, but am so excited for him. I remember my first day of Kindergarten. Riding the bus, leaving my mom at the curb, and starting the upward climb to adulthood.

HOW DO I STOP IT???

I didn't cry. (This time.) He had a "trial" run over the summer and as the bus drove away. That time I sobbed as I watched his tear streaked face in the window saying Mommy. 

But NOT this time. He was ready. He had gotten over the fear that the bus driver wouldn't know which one his house was and that I wouldn't be out there waiting for him. (In fact I wasn't. It was Nate.)

Out here Kindergarten is only half day, so it's not a huge change from pre-school, just that it's everyday.

Enough to break a Mother's heart! Owen was NOT happy that he wasn't going too!

The thing I swore NEVER to do. Buy a themed backpack for my children. That lasted all of two seconds when I put him in charge of choosing.

My stomach got sicker as it got closer.

He hopped on and away he went, off to a place I couldn't follow. I couldn't be on watch, protect him, fight for him and kiss him when he got hurt. 

Owen and I walked back home to a quiet house. (OK not really we all know Owen.)

I gave Nate strict instructions on the time to be there to get him off, to take pictures, and ask all about his day. (I was working at the office that afternoon.)

This was the picture Nate got of him coming home:

He looked OK to me. Seemed happy and excited about his first day, and was super excited to tell me I had homework, not him, that night!

As of now, he is a great student. He is reading, writing, spelling, drawing, making new friends and loves it.

I just don't know how ready I am to let him keep growing up!