I swear I was just holding my sweet baby Crew in my arms wondering what he would be like when he got a little bigger, wondering what he would look like, wondering if I could teach him everything I wanted him to know. And then I blinked. My baby started school on September 5!
We went back and forth trying to decide if we should put him in or not. I loved having him home! Jack loves having him around too. I have been doing about an hour or more of school work with him every morning since he was about two. He has been so easy to teach. And he loves to learn. I have loved teaching him new things and watching him grasp new concepts so quickly. When we moved into our new apartment, we took him away from his friends and the open yard where he could run and discover new things. After we moved he would tell us everyday how much he missed those things. And he had been begging us to put him in the school for quite some time. Feeling that he needed some social interaction with other kids his age, Broc and I decided to put him in. Despite me being an emotional mess, Crew was so excited when he woke up that morning. He came to us and said, "I'm so excited for school!"
It was Broc's first day of school too! Here are my boys all ready for their first day. Well, Broc's first day of third semester Medical School and Crew's first day of Pre-K/Kindergarten! Crew didn't get any new school clothes and he didn't even have a backpack. So unlike how I pictured things. But it didn't make any difference to him. He got to start school and that was all that mattered!
You should see the way this kid struts when he walks onto Ross University Campus. You can just see he feels like he is so big going to school ... just like Dad!
With some of his buddies before school started. I love these kids. Doesn't this picture just make you smile! (I love Cash's hand in Crew's pocket!)
He immediately joined the other kids playing on the playground.
Then the teacher rang the bell and the kids marched into start their first day.
They started out with all of the kiddos combined for a little orientation.
They each had to stand and say their names.
Then they were sent to their appropriate class to meet their teacher. Crew is in the Pre-K/ Kindergarten class.
This was the part where I lost it. They just sent them into their classes and I didn't even get to give him a hug and kiss and tell him to have a good day and I love him. :(
Crew with his new teacher Mrs. Cools.
As I walked home tears flooded down my face and I wondered if I had made the right decision. Should I have kept him home with me as long as I could? Have I taught him enough so that he will be able to make good choices without me there? Will he be able to stand up for what he knows is right? Will he be ok without me there? Oh, I was a mess. And knowing that it is big boy school Monday through Friday 8AM - 3PM with an hour break for lunch was a little unsettling. Broc and I eat lunch with him from 12-1 and I am pulling him out early at 12PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Probably more for me than him, I just don't want him to be too overwhelmed. But he is loving school and the interaction with the friends. And is even asking to stay the full day when I want to bring him home early. I love that he loves it. I love that he will be taught about Dominica and the culture. Plus, I think it will be good for him to be introduced to a classroom setting and learn how to listen and follow instructions. And it will be good for Jack to get some one on one time!
I was a mess that first day. And all I wanted to do was talk to my Mom and tell her about my day. So I called her. And it's funny how Moms just know how to listen and how to make you feel better when you are sad. I am so grateful to have her in my life! And even though we are miles a part she still knows how to make me feel better. Thanks Mom for always being there for me!
When I came home that day I put Jack down for a nap and wrote in Crew's journal. I wanted him to know how I was feeling the day he started school. Here is a little excerpt from my entry,
"... I hope you always know you are loved. I hope you always strive to be your best. I hope you stand up for what you know to be right and true. I hope you always feel that you can talk to me about anything. I hope you know how special you are. I feel so blessed to be your Mommy! I can't imagine life without you. I sit here writing in our quiet house while Jack is sleeping and I miss you. I hope you have the best first day! I can't wait to come eat lunch with you. Love, Mom."
