My little KinderHawk!!!

I found this poem about a first day in Kindergarten and it pretty much sums up what I am feeling!

He started school this morning,
And he seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside him
In the Kindergarten hall.

And as he took his place beside
the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as
He first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When he began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though he must have grown
To boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar his first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with him
And keep him by the hand
To lead him through the places
That he couldn’t understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew he would no longer be
A baby by my side.

But he must have his chance to live,
To work his problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little boy
With friends and work and play;
He's not a baby anymore –
He's in Kindergarten today.

This morning went really well! Everyone was up early and we all ate breakfast together as a family. Garrett dressed himself and then we did his hair. He wanted a Mohawk but I told him it might distract the other kids so I gave him just a little spike in the front! We took some pictures and headed up to the bus stop as a family. Where we took some more pictures while we waited for Bus #9! At one point he said his stomach was hurting, so he squatted down to play with some rocks and started to mess with his eyes a lot. I asked him what was wrong with his eyes? His response was: I have some eye boogers in them. Poor little guy was crying (just a little) but was trying so hard to be strong and hold back the tears! =(

The bus came, Jaime opened the doors and Delaney and Garrett walked right up those stairs and up to their seats! With a wave they were gone. My baby boy was on a HUGE bus on his way to his first day. Jason, Lucy and I walked back to the house, I was already overcome with some emotions and got a little teary eyed. We loaded up in the truck and drove to the school to wait for the bus to pull in. About 20 minutes later the bus arrived and Garrett climbed off all by himself and headed our way. We lead him to Mrs. Hess' room and she got them started right away! She was saying things like:

* Show mom and dad where you hang your back pack

* Have mom and dad help you put your buttons on

* Find your name tag and have a seat

* Get your pencil box out of your cubby

She had them all so busy that no one really had a chance to cling on to mom and dad or shed any tears. Finally once he was started on coloring his messy mat Jason, Lucy and I said our goodbyes and headed toward the door. I looked back one last time to see him doing just fine! Everyone was doing just fine!! Not one kiddo was crying, it was the parents that were not wanting to leave, it was the parents that were showing emotions! I made it to the hallway and got a bit choked up. I shed just a few more tears. It was bittersweet. I was so proud that he didn't cry! I was so sad that he was starting Kindergarten. Seems like just yesterday we were taking Delaney for her first day...now look at her all grown up and in the 2nd grade! Time just passes so quickly!

Garrett,
Daddy and I are so proud of the big boy that you have become! You're gonna move mountains little guy! Keep up the great work and enjoy all of the things you'll learn this year! We love you so much!!!

Delaney,
Thank you for being the best big sister to Garrett! Thank you for helping him feel less anxious about starting school and riding the bus! You have helped him so much and I am so proud to have you as my daughter! You're always looking out for the little guy, and the little guy this time around just happens to be your little brother! We love you Delaney!!