The Big Day

It finally happened. This past Thursday, the first day of kindergarten arrived. It was funny, because half of me wished last year that he could have started last fall. And although I was so eager and excited for him to be able to take this huge leap into the school world, when it came right down to it, it was dang hard to let him go. Having already experienced, Kinder-Camp, Jonah himself wasn't too nervous. The night before he had some butterflies, and we had a good long talk about all the "first days" we'd already had: Joy School, Preschool, even my first days as a kid. With as difficult as new situtations are for Jonah, I must say I was very impressed with his bravery. He did have a last-minute change of heart regarding riding the bus, so Micah stepped up and dropped him off for his first morning. As they pulled away, I watched them go, waved, and then promptly turned around to have my cry. I picked up Lincoln in his hand-me-down jammies, and couldn't help but remember Jonah wearing them not-so-many years ago. He's been all mine for so long and now there is a big chunk of his life that I'm not really a part of. I know it's good for him, and I know it's good for me, but there's still a part of me that wants to wrap him up in my arms and never let him grow up. I had spent two sleepless nights worrying about every little thing that could hurt him while I wasn't there...and then the time came and he just left. It was hard! I'll spare you the rest of my sentimental thoughts (I've already water-spotted my journal enough, no need to short out the keyboard). But needless to say I dried my tears and eagerly anticipated his arrival back home.

They had only a half day the first day (kindergarten goes all day here!) Jonah rode the bus home and made it safely, although he doesn't like the bus too much because it is too loud. When I asked him how his day was he replied, "It was so awesome!" My fears were erased and I knew then that we were on our way to a great year.

Of course, what was the first thing he did? Having left at 7:15, he was a hungry guy, so he naturally starting digging for his lunch box before he even walked in the door. After inhaling his sandwich, he chilled out with some Wipeout and quality time with his siblings.

Call me a dork, but I matched the boys for Jonah's first day. We were all happy to have our Jonah-man back, especially Lincoln. Tomorrow starts his first whole week so I'm crossing my fingers that he doesn't get too worn out. This weekend he's expressed some sadness in missing stuff that Kate and I will be doing while he's away, and I know he's still struggling with the bus (he only has to ride it for 5 minutes, so I'm thinking he can handle it). But we are excited for this big step for him and look forward to many happy kindergarten moments.