Today marks a very big day at our house. Our youngest has started kindergarten. For the first time in forever, I no longer have a Little at home. I'm now the mother to only Big Kids. And I would be lying if I said I didn't cry.
People who don't understand--other parents even--say, "He's ready," and "He'll do fine!"
And I know this. But that is not the point today.
Yes, he is ready. Yes, he will do fine. He can read at almost the same level as his older brother. He is a social kid who loves to be around other kids. He loves to talk and is quick with funny, quirky one-liners that make adults laugh. He follows the rules, even if he scoffs them at home.
I know he will do "fine."
The tears are more for me than him, anyway.
After FIFTEEN years of busyness: working out of the home and coordinating childcare, having my office at home and shuffling meetings, dealing with doctor appointments, preschool parties, playdates, everything.... It all just... ENDS.
When you're busy with babies, toddlers and preschoolers, the days feel like they may never end. Crazy mornings stretch into long afternoons with bedtimes that can't come soon enough. You can't even think straight through all the chaos. You wish for a day without clinging kids, or at least just a little quiet.
And you realize, even if you don't want to go back to those hectic days, even though this is a good thing, those days are gone. You can't wish them back.
I know this.
So, I have to dry my tears and get ready for this new chapter. The one where I'm the mother to only Big Kids.
