First Day of Pre-K2

I can NOT believe that today was Adrey's first day of school. I can't believe that two years have gone by since this precious being entered our lives. From the moment Adrey was born everyone kept telling us "Enjoy him. He'll grow up before you know it."... well, they're right. I realize he's only two, it's not like he's off to college, but these past two years have flown by.

And now he's a big pre-schooler.

(I love how he has a bit of a "front wedgie" in this outfit)

I couldn't decide which of these photos to post, so heck, I posted them all. There's no such thing as too many pictures of our little critter!

When we got to the school I got Charlie out of the car and situated in the stroller and then took Adrey out. I told him that since we were in a parking lot, he had to hold my hand at all times. We got out of the car, Adrey put on his back pack, and we headed towards the building hand-in-hand. As we were walking across the parking lot, I was stepping over the puddles from last night's rain and thinking that Adrey had no idea what was ahead of him. I felt a lump in my throat and had to hold back the tears that were forming. I KNOW that this is a WONDERFUL experience for Adrey and that he will like it, but I know that it will also be scary for him the first few days. Will he make friends? Will the kids be nice to him? What if they hurt his feelings? When I think of Adrey's feelings being hurt it makes my heart literally hurt. Everything is new to him, nothing familiar, no familiar faces. It was tugging at my heartstrings thinking of all those things.

The kids play on the playground the first 25 minutes, so I stuck around to watch him play. I just stood on the sidelines and observed. I was the last parent to leave... oh by about 30 minutes! He did great and was interacting with the other kids. Was really cute.

And Adrey was using his little brother as bait to get the girls...

The kids were just lining up to go inside when I said good bye to Adrey. His lower lip dropped and tears immediately started flowing. I stayed strong at that moment, walked inside, and hid behind a room divider and started quietly balling. I was just so sad! Another mom came over and she was dropping her daughter off for the first time too.... we chatted for a bit and consoled each other! I knew I would get teary, but had no idea it would be THIS emotional for me. I just feel like this is such a "grown up" (you know what I mean) thing for him to be doing and it makes me sad he's growing up so quickly! BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I'm so happy for the little bugger because this is going to enrich his life in so many ways. He's going to flourish by being in this class, I just know it. And that's what I kept repeating to myself over and over.

I hid behind the divider and waited for the class to come inside so I could see how Adrey was doing. He came around the corner and wasn't crying, but just looked so sad... like he felt out of place and didn't know anyone. Oh. Just. Shoot. Me. If he had just ONE friend, or familiar face, I would have felt so much better! I waited till the classroom door shut and then made my way over to take a peek through the door window....

And he was sitting at the teeny tiny table and "playing" with his new friends.

And mommy felt better.

This was such a big day for our little man and we are SO proud of him. He did wonderfully.

Adrey, Mommy and Daddy love you with every ounce of our being. You have no idea the impact you have had and continue to have on our lives. You bring to us joy I never knew was possible. And you're the best big brother Charlie could ask for. Spread your wings and fly little monkey. Mommy and Daddy couldn't be prouder.

We love you.