Kindergarten!

How in the world is it Jacob's first day of Kindergarten? Wasn't it just the other day that I was holding his tiny little body while he slept in my arms or watching him take his first steps? Over the course of our days, he has been growing into such a fantastic boy. I am so proud of him and of who he is.

Here we are now at the beginning of our true school days. Jacob was a bit nervous about his first day. I managed (somehow) to drop him off without crying myself. Sigh. I know he is ready and will love it. And I am looking forward to being able to spend more alone time with Benjamin. And still, it is a bittersweet moment. I love having the freedom of not being on a schedule (and especially one that begins at 8am!). This is the beginning of our years being dictated by the school schedule.

I remember as a child those hot, humid days of a Michigan August. I'd be lounging in our pool looking up at the bright green sun-dappled leaves of our maple tree, and I'd hear the song of the cicadas. That's how I knew summer was coming to an end - the cicadas' long-winded buzzing. I wonder what Jacob will associate with his summer days as he grows.

So begins another chapter for all of us. We will all grow and change as these days go by. Jacob will be introduced to many new things, some good, some not. My first baby will continue to gain more independence, and I will learn more about when to give him that space and when to stay close. As always, this journey gives me pause and makes me aware how grateful I am for the joy (and sadness) that being a mother entails. I wouldn't want it any other way.