Kindergarten

Well, it's official.  We have a kindergartner at our house.

But before I could let him go, I took one last opportunity to take my unschooled boy out on a date. 

Since J really wanted to be at daycare on his last day, I picked him up just in time for lunch. 

But not before he independently wrote a note to one of his true loves, his daycare provider, that read,

 "Dear H, I hope you will be ok with me at school." 

So sweet he is!

He planned our itinerary.

Red Robin for lunch...

followed by the capitol building...

which included some photos...

that he tolerated for a short time...

I can take a hint, so the camera was tucked away when we visited the book store and stopped at the cookie shop. 

Indeed, it was the perfect date for Kindergarten Eve. 

He even assured me that when he is old enough to drive he'll pick me up for a date. 

With sweet promises like that, how could saying goodbye to J be easy?

Well, it wasn't. 
Not in the least. 

J was a ball of energy until we reached the school.  He became more clingy and reserved.  His eyes were filled with fear as he timidly followed his teacher through the school doors.
I cried. 
E cried. 
Steve gladly dismissed himself from Planet Estrogen and went to work. 

And then I spent the rest of the day praying and watching the clock so that I wouldn't be late picking him up.

Even though I can't quite pinpoint the exact reasons, this transition has been difficult for me.  Maybe I have some attachment issues.  Maybe I'm selfish.  Maybe I'm a control freak.  Maybe I'm just plain scared.  Whatever the reason, I'm still sad.  Really sad.

Change is hard, but at least my handsome little guy is doing his part to lessen the impact...

J at the end of day one:  It was awesome!
J at the end of day two:  Today was even better than the first day!

It's such a blessing and a relief that he has started the year off well.

Whew!

A little video to commemorate the milestone...