First Day of School: Take 2

Robby's first day of Kindergarten was a happy/sad day for me as a mother.  I was so proud of him as he marched out of the house with his backpack firmly in place, but so devastated to say goodbye to my child for an entire day.  He also experienced a host of emotions that ranged from excited to anxious, happy yet sad, confident at times but also intimidated, brave but also scared.  As we took pictures outside he couldn't stop grinning and giving us "thumbs-up" about going to school.  Once we arrived at school and headed through the grass over to the door by his classroom he tail-spinned into full-blown panic mode.  He dug his heels into the ground and shook his head while saying "No, no, no, no" while I replied "Yes, yes, yes, yes".  I ended up dragging all the way across the field and over to the classroom continuously reminding how much fun he would have. He calmed down again as we entered his classroom and saw all the fun things to do.  He stayed calm all the way until it was time for me to leave.  After another thumbs up from the little guy, I walked over to the classroom door feeling quite proud of myself.  Then I stupidly turned around to see him standing by his desk, chin down and alligator tears pouring out of his eyes down his cheeks.  I nearly lost it to see him that way.  After a few more reassuring hugs and kisses I was out the door for good.  It was pretty weird to spend the rest of the day with only one child at home, I haven't done this since Maddie was a baby.  I almost felt childless all day because Eli was soo incredibly easy on his own.  Finally it was time to head over to the bus stop to pick up the big kids.  I was anxious to hear how the first day of school went for Robby.  It was amazing just how TIRED Robby looked as he climbed off the bus, he was absolutely beat.  It sounded like the first day went well and he was excited that Maddie was there at recess and after school.  I felt so grateful for an older sibling as she told me how Robby played soccer with her and her second grade  friends and how she made sure he sat next to her on the bus.  After getting one day under out belts, I am confident that this is going to be a good school year for all!!

Maddie is always begging to have her picture taken :)