Our First "First Day"

I love "First Day of School" photos.  Perhaps because I'm a teacher and the first day of school is super exciting to me.  This year, we experienced our first "first day".  Brantley started 3-year old preschool yesterday and to say he was excited was an understatement.  We've been talking about this day for weeks months and for the past three years, part of his daily daycare routine was to drop off the "big kids" at preschool.  Finally, it was Brantley's turn to be one of the "big kids".  He had absolutely no fears about going to preschool and he did amazingly well.  Of course, it helps that he's attending with two of his best daycare buddies - Jace and Drew.  That definitely makes a mama feel better.  And as if he wasn't already excited about preschool, he got a new backpack and water bottle, which were pretty much icing on his cake.


 


I really didn't think I'd get emotional about the experience.  After all, he's attending only two days per week for three hours per day.  But after scrolling through photos of last week's "Hello Day", I broke down.  There's something very bittersweet about sending your first child (probably any child, really!) to school.  He's growing up, there's no doubt about it, and unfortunately, big milestones are accompanied by lots of emotions for this mama.

I debated about what do do for "First Day" photos for quite some time.  I mean, it' a big decision trying to decide how to handle the next 15(ish) years of first days!  Initially, I planned to use some free "First Day" printables I found on Pinterest.  And then, I found this sign on Etsy and I love it!  I truly can't wait to compare each year in about 15 years. :)

As for what he wants to be when he grows up....yeah, a snowman.  Like a real, true snowman.  But to his defense, he's getting this question confused with what he wants to be for Halloween (Olaf). Whatever.  It was funny so I went with it. ;)

We are lucky enough to have a daycare provider willing to transport the kiddos to and from preschool.  It's amazing, really, and we couldn't ask for much more.  We are also lucky in that she takes pictures and records the milestones much like I would do.  She sent us a few pictures of his first day...

...and she sent this video she took soon after picking him up. 


So in Brantley's own words, "I had a good day at preschool."  I think it's safe to say he's excited for day two tomorrow!

Sesame Street Live

Last Friday, I took the day off of work to go on my first field trip with the boys!  Sure, planning for a sub sucks, as does getting caught up after the fact, and I only had eight sick days remaining for the year (thanks to maternity leave last spring); yet, it only took me about a half-second to agree to go along!  After all, I don't get these days back with my kiddos and my job is just that - a job.  So sub plans I wrote, catching up I did, and away I went to enjoy the day few extra hours with my kiddos.

The "field trip" was to the Sprint Center for a performance of Sesame Street Live.  So yeah, maybe not your typical field trip, but that's what daycare called it, so I went with it!  If you recall, we went last year as a family, and though I know Craig would go again out of the tremendous love he has for his sons, I don't think he was at all heartbroken to miss out this year. :)

Along for the show were six kids, four moms, and Ms. Stephanie.  As always, I questioned how in the world Ms. Stephanie has the energy to take that wild bunch out in public almost every day of the week?!  Not that they are bad by any means (they are actually very well-behaved children), but holy moly - 6 kids ages five and under?!  Whew! 

About 15 minutes before showtime, Grover came over the intercom to make an announcement.  Poor Brantley was confused and startled.  He told me "That guy scare me."  Likewise, when the show started and the characters came on stage.  He wasn't sure what to think.  He wanted to like it, but acted way more timid than I've ever seen him act!  But low and behold, once he figured things out, he was fine and dandy and seemed to enjoy the show.  Holden was indifferent.  He watched off and on, but was more interested in whoever was holding him.

After the show was over, we shipped our kids back to daycare and the moms stayed downtown for lunch and a couple of hours of socializing.  It's taken me over two years to realize that just because I have a day off doesn't mean I have to spend every waking minute with my kids.  (And thankfully, it's Ms. Stephanie who helped me realize this.)  All in all, it was a great day - extra time with kiddos, a fun outing in KC, and some adult-only mom time!

Daycare 2014

Last year I did a post that included all of the pictures of Brantley at daycare.   Our daycare provider takes a buttload of photos (like myself) and it's always fun to see what the kiddos are up to during the days!  Like I said last year, I'm so thankful for a daycare provider who isn't afraid to venture out.  From parks to McDonald's to the library to toy stores...I can't imagine it's easy.  Even when they stay at home, she plans some great activities that I don't know that I'd have the energy to plan with 4+ kids!  Thanks, Ms. Stephanie, for giving our kids a wonderful daycare experience!

Here are daycare photos from 2014!

January 

 

February

March

April

April

May

June

July

August

September

 

 

 

 

 

October

 

 

November

December