First Stop Kindergarten... Next Stop the World

 

I can’t believe this day has come. My little a, my “baby,” just started kindergarten.  

In some ways I felt much more prepared for her to start than I did for Big A. I know her teacher (the same one Big A had) and LOVED her. I know that she will give little a an amazing kindergarten experience. I know the school now, and the ins and outs of the schedule. All those unknowns that kind of freaked me out when Big A started were not there anymore.

I now had the great sadness of losing my little buddy to contend with. We had the option of starting her this year or waiting until next year since she just turned 5 over the summer. She is the youngest kid in her class and that makes me nervous too. However if you know our little A you know that she is feisty and smart and outgoing and so ready to start school. Holding her back would have made me happy to have the extra year of our one on one time but it would not have been fair to her (as much as I REALLY wanted to!)

So off she went. Butterfly Backpack (she picked out), and a huge grin ready to take on school. I don’t worry about her being shy or not making friends, I worry about her taking over the school!

 

First Grader!

The summer seemed to just fly by for us. It seriously feels like Big A's Kindergarten Graduation party was last week. Now First grade is here; Full day at school; Lunch at school; Really getting down to learning, not the fun of Kindergarten.

I am the first to admit I was a complete basket case about Big A starting Kindergarten. I couldn't imagine my little buddy leaving every day. It all turned out fantastic. We all got into a groove. A loved school and made tons of friends. The class really bonded and the parents all seemed to mesh into a great group. His teacher was AMAZING and it was so fun hearing all about his day and seeing all the new things he was learning.

 I thought I'd be good with first grade but I have struggled with the idea of him being gone ALL DAY. I will literally get a few hours with him after school before it's bedtime. I know that we will get into a groove with this too. I know that he will love 1st grade; new friends, more recess, lunch! His new teacher seems really good and I'm excited to see him flourish this year. I know all this will happen but I still stand with a heavy heart as I watch him enter the doors to first grade.

 

First Day of Kindegarten

It's Official... Big A is a Kindergartner!!
Here are a few shots from his first day.

Friends From Little League in his class!

Before I woke him up for his first day of school

 

The Graduate

Big A has passed his first milestone. He is now a Pre-School Graduate. He went to Challenger and has loved school. He made lots of “Buddies” and learned so much. The last day was a “Circus” theme and the kids were invited to come in costume. Big A insisted on being a Ninja Turtle.

 

After his last day of school we took the kiddo’s over to Murray Park and I had a little photo shoot for our graduate. Our Niece V graduated this year and had these adorable pictures from her pre-school graduation in cap and gown. It was so fun seeing her then and now. Big A wore Daddy’s cap and gown from when he graduated the U. In 2027 I’ll have these cute shots of A and it will be fun to see his transformation from our little guy to a young man.

After the shoot we took A and a to Toys R Us for their big surprise…we got them bikes! They were SO excited and couldn’t wait to get out on them. We were talking about if we thought they would fit in our car and Big A said “We don’t need them to fit in the car.” I asked why not. He said “ Because we will just ride them home!” I laughed and told him it was too far (We are about 5 miles from Toys R Us, a bit far for training wheels). Big A said “It’s okay Momma, I’ll be careful, I’ll just ride behind the car.”   Our little ones are growing up so fast.

 

First and Last Day of School Free Printables

I have had lots of people asking for a printable version of the first day of school sign I made for Big A.

Well all you had to do is ask....

I created a "First day of School" and "Last day of School" for Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade. If you are looking for a different grade just send me a message.

Click below for the printable PDF Versions:

FREE PRINTABLE SIGNS

 

 

My Un-Back-To-School post

You can't go into a store right now without seeing backpacks, lunch boxes and crayola products everywhere. Yes, it's Back-to-school time. Instagram and facebook are absolutely flooded with first day of school pics. It's fun to see all the kids dolled up for their first day.

Over the past couple of weeks everywhere we go people have asked Big A about going back to school. Most people think my big  "little guy" is going into first or second grade. It has been funny saying, "not yet, he's only 4."

Big A missed the state mandated birthday deadline by about a month and a half so he will not be starting till next year. I have to say that I am so very thankful for this. It actually completely freaks me out that this is my last year with my buddy at home with me. I guess I am a selfish Mom. I absolutely love our time together, he is such an amazing little guy, I can't imagine him not being with me everyday. I know he has to grow up someday, heading off to school and friends leaving boring Mom behind.
But not now. For now I'm still "Cool Mom", his "Best Buddy" and we have another year of great adventures together.

SO see you later Backpack, Bye Bye Lunchbox...we wont be needing you till next year!