Mayland Memories: No Looking Back....

Well, all of the anxiety and stress leading up to Kailer's 1st day of Kindergarten was over in a flash! Kailer and I had a little Mommy 'n Kailer back to school night date and on the way home, Kailer was upset with me because I told him that Dan and I would be taking him to school Thursday morning. He wanted to ride the bus! While I was insisting that we would take him to school, I did agree to let him ride the bus home that afternoon.

So Thursday morning he had breakfast (French toast, his choice) and dressed for the day. I pretty much demanded pictures (no way he was getting out of those) and we loaded up to head to school. We got to the playground, took a few more pictures, walked him to the brick wall, (where his class is to line up when the bell rings), he put down his backpack and he ran off! I'm pretty sure my mouth dropped open in awe - I had just given that little boy 5 years of my life and he was gone just like that?!?! ;) Dan beckoned him back and we got him to give us each a hug, followed by Dad's advice of, "Don't kiss a girl on the 1st day of school." Just as quickly he said, "Bye" and took off like a rocket - never even looking back! My eyes were stinging with tears and my chest was tight as I watched my baby head to the playground without missing a beat! My heart was aching, but I was beaming with pride in knowing that somewhere along the way we must have done something right to prepare him for this monumental day!! Dan, Aylah and I slowly walked back to the car and I continued to watch for Kailer until he was no longer in sight. Dan said to me, "Sure, you wore your big sunglasses so I couldn't see the tears." I let out a shaky laugh and managed to say, "Maybe."

Poor Aylah, we no more than got to the car before she asked, "Where's Kailer?" This questions has been asked, oh, probably 50 times/day since he started school. I knew she was going to miss him, but his absence from the house has really had an impact - on all of us, in different ways. She was very excited when it was time to go out and wait for him to get home. When the bus pulled up she started squealing and clapping, "There's Kailer," she yelled! Her little bare feet couldn't carry her fast enough down the sidewalk as she embraced him in a loving hug! It was the sweetest reunion; I wish I would have had it on video.

It's safe to say that Kailer is enjoying school, the bus rides, lunch and recess!! :) Finding out that he can choose CHOCOLATE milk at lunch was simply icing on the cake!! Friday morning he was up at 5:30 a.m. I told him he needed to try and get some sleep or he was going to be tired. He didn't fall back asleep; pretty sure the morning bus ride had him very excited! He left Aylah and I at the bus stop just as quickly as the morning before on the playground!

We've already gotten positive reports from his teacher and we're looking forward to watching Kailer grow socially and academically this school year!