Growing Up

My first-born began Kindergarten last week.  He was really looking forward to it, which thrilled my husband and me.  The day before his first day, we did many special things as a family to celebrate his last day before starting Kindergarten.  He awoke on the first day of school, got himself dressed in the clothes we had laid out the night before, brushed his teeth, got his shoes on and poured himself some cereal, all before 7:00 am!

As we pulled up to school, he had about a 10 second hesitation period, but I quickly told him he would have a great day, and I would be back before he knew it.  The teacher then whisked him away quickly, which was helpful avoiding any kind of episode.

As I watched him run (he actually ran into school), Mommy waterworks started.  I couldn’t believe that just 5 ½ years ago, he made me a Mommy, the most cherished role in my life to date.  I remember when he was an infant, so many people told me to remember and enjoy him, as children grow up so quickly.  Of course I have enjoyed each minute (minus the temper tantrums and newly budding independent attitude he can hand out occasionally), but I guess I didn’t heed their words about children growing up quickly. 

I was feeling a bit down after his first day (although his report of the day was GREAT!) when thinking of holding him as a baby, teaching him how to walk, talk, socialize with friends, and all the other treasured memories. 

I, then, began to think of the things that are so cool about having a five-year-old son.  He can carry on an awesome conversation, is starting to have his own opinions about things, has a great sense of humor, can accomplish something he set out to do and be proud of himself, be independent (as he demonstrated on the first day of school morning), and so many other things.  After thinking of my little baby boy in these different ways, it really helped me get as excited about him growing up as he is.

Sometimes, we all need to re-focus our thoughts in a different direction; if we don’t sometimes we become so busy dwelling on what isn’t that we miss what is.

Sincerely,

From the Stork’s Nest~

Rebecca