And they are off....

Yesterday was the first day of school for the kids.

Nicholas is off to be a big all-day first grader.
Isabella is off to the big school to be in Kindergarden.
Gabriella is off to pre-school.

As most of you know, I was banished from being in the car for Nicholas's first day last year. I am a known silly-la-la and I have no problems admitting it. This year I was ready. I didn't cry all morning nor did I have the urge. I truly felt that I was over this whole crying-on-the-first-day thing. I told Jeff that I was going with him and I swear he raised an eyebrow at me. I thought, "I'll show you."

We piled in the car, walked them to their classrooms, and everyone was excited. Isabella was first. I helped her with her name tag, hung her backpack, and showed her some of her friends that she already knew. I was GREAT!!! UNTIL....I had to say goodbye. I know that this is the day that she has been waiting for for so long and I was happy for her but so sad that she is actually there and growing up. Once the floodgates were open, there was no turning back. I kissed her, told her to have a good day, ran out, took a deep breath and then it was on to Nicholas's class.

He lined up on the playground with his class and walked into the classroom with his friends. Some children were from his class last year and others were totally new faces. He hung his backpack and found his desk and sat down to wait for the others. I signed a couple papers and turned to look at him to say goodbye. NOT GOOD!!! Here is my little boy that I swear was born yesterday, sitting at a big desk in his yellow chair. I know this will be a big year for him but he,too, is growing up.

Gabby was the last one. She has tears everyday when Jeff or I leave but I know she gets over it. She naps well, plays well there, but is very excited when we go to pick her up. I see her carrying her purple backpack, all dressed for school, and I know that she's growing up too but I still remind myself that she is the youngest to go. Nicholas was a month away from turning 3 when he went to school, Isabella was 3yrs and 4 months, and my Gabby-day turns three in Dec. She seems so big yet so small.

At any rate, everyone came home happy and no one, not even Jeff, mentioned my tears.