His First Day of School

His feet shuffled across the hardwood floor, showing little excitement at the prospect of the first day of school.  He told his daddy “I’m sick” then moved his way to the bathroom to do his morning routine.  The new Paw Patrol backpack lay on the floor, neglected by it’s disinterested owner.

It had been 2 weeks since he was in daycare.  He spent the better part of December with his Lolo (grandfather).  Sleeping in had become routine.  This was going to be a change for my little man.

Ha – as usual I was proven wrong.

The kids were successfully loaded into the car.  I whispered a word of gratitude that it went smoothly & enjoyed the fact that, finally, I only had one drop off.  No more rushing around town to make the different drop off times for each child.  I dropped his sister off to her class, then walked over to his class.  Introductions were made.  I showed him where the bathroom was.  I took a picture of his new cubby.  Then I stood there waiting for him to hug me around the legs and jut out his lower lip in his trademark pouty face.  Instead I got a “Just go mom!” as he walked over to the other kids to play with the toys.  He barely mustered a smile for me as I took the “first day of school” picture for my album.  He simply said Cheese, waited for the click and went on his way.

Stunned silence.  What was this?  Where’s the little boy who crawls into my lap for his dose of mommy comfort?  I took the day off to sweep him away for comfort pancake breakfasts and french fry lunches.  I was going to have the day to myself after all.

Motherhood is a bittersweet experience.  I go through their lives expecting them to need mommy’s hand.  I celebrate their milestones and smile at their infectious energy.  Then I cry as the wisps of their babyhood float away like clouds on a windy day.  Time goes by too fast.   I’m both relieved and sad that his little heart wasn’t broken this morning.  For now, I’ll wait in anticipation to hear how his day went and listen to all the stories he’ll have to share.

What was the first day of school like for you?  Share them in our comments.