My son’s school held a Kindergarten Open House last night. I did not cry. I only got misty. Win! He was very interested in seeing the classrooms, which we got to do, and was excited about the library and all the books everywhere. The school bus ride was also a hit.
The open house was really helpful for me, and I’m sure for Karsen, too. I am having a hard time with this whole idea of him going to school. I’m very excited for him because I know he is going to love it and have so much fun learning, but at the same time, I am struggling with the fact that he is growing up. He is our only. And will always be our only. I’m not going to have a baby at home anymore! There is a pile of toys he’s outgrown in our bonus room that I intended on getting rid of two months ago. I just can’t. You know what’s not helping? I now know 10 pregnant women. Also not helping: every TV commercial with babies.
The funniest thing that happened at the open house was during the short speech in the school’s gym by the PTSA rep at the beginning of the night. She was talking about raising money and about new playground equipment that had recently been installed when Karsen turned to me and, in a loud whisper, said, “This school has a playground?!” He also got excited when the principal mentioned “running laps” as part of an exercise program they do every Monday. “How many laps?” he asked. “As many as you want,” I said. His face lit up.
Yes, my kid likes to run laps…which is why when we visited the playground, he actually only played on the equipment for about 5 minutes before asking me if he could go to the soccer field to run. “Go for it,” I said, shaking my head without shaking me head, and feeling proud at the same time. Because I love to run, too, so I get it.
Off he went. My little boy looked so tiny with his skinny arms and legs pumping as he crossed a vast stretch of green for no reason in particular other than to get that feeling that running gives you. There was no finish line. Nobody to beat. He was just running. Nothing else.
Peace and happiness washed over me as I watched him. I only hope I can wrap myself in those feelings when he runs off to the first day of school in September.
9 comments
I am with you! My youngest is off to kindergarten in the fall and I have been teary every since I officially registered her. Of course, she is super excited and can’t wait but I am going to miss have a “baby” at home. It is good and bad all at the same time! Hang in there!
Thank you; you, too!
I can’t imagine the emotions you must be going through as I don’t have kids. BUT you should be proud at the little man you have raised so far, and you still have plenty of time to be his mom, regardless of him going to school. And as my always says, I will always be her baby…and your son will always be yours!
Thank you. This made me smile.
I am already getting weird about K and we still have one more year 🙁 My little guy will always be my baby. Regarding the toys, maybe pick out a few favorites and store them away for future grandkids & donate the rest to Childhaven or somewhere? Bob cracks up when his mom pulls out toys he remembers from his childhood. I think it’s pretty cool 🙂 [ways to justify keeping memories of little T around]
Good idea, Alma! I like this.
Awww what a milestone!! I have a 2 year old and can’t imagine school for her but I know it will come since these 2 years have went by so fast. What an awesome thing that he loves running just like his mommy 🙂
And my oh my the time goes quickly! I remember Allie staring kindergarten. Ahhh… And now she is about to finish up 5th grade! I know how it is with the one and only…every first is also every last…
Awww, he is soo cute!!!