1st Day of Kindergarten

Christopher had his first day of kindergarten last week. He was so excited to meet his teachers and classmates. The minute we got to school he kissed me goodbye and wanted me to leave. I had to explain to him several times that I was staying for a little bit, but he kept on asking "when are you going to leave?"

His teacher gave some quick instructions to the parents, read "The Kissing Hand", had the kids give and receive a kiss from their parents (on their hand) and then dismissed the adults. When it was Christopher's turn to get his hand kissed he looked at me as if I was the craziest person. Why would he need his hand kissed? He wasn't going to miss me like the raccoon in the story so he needed no kiss. I, on the other hand, insisted on getting a little kiss in my palm.

I can't believe my little boy has officially started school. I remember when my oldest niece started kindergarten as if it were just the other day. Today she is in 6th grade. She is almost done with elementary school! Where has time gone? I feel like once kids start kindergarten their childhood years pass super fast. I have this overwhelming feeling that my stay at home with 3 little kids life is changing drastically fast. This year is Christopher, next year Drew starts school and Clarissa goes to preschool. What am I going to do with my life/time? When I had Christopher I struggled with the idea of leaving my teaching job. I felt like I was loosing my identity, losing everything I had worked to become. I kind of have these same feelings now. I'm going to soon lose my identity as "stay at home mom with 3 little/rambunctious kids." Well, I guess I have at least 3 more years before Clarissa starts kindergarten to get used to a new phase. The thought of having 3 more years eases my mind and heart for now.

Here are a couple of pictures of the happiest kindergartener.