Hayden's First Day of Kindergarten

Today it happened.

Today He left me standing all alone.

Today He showed me he was grown...

and no longer needed me to hold his hand.
Today He walked through that door...

and didn't look back to get my nod that everything would be ok.

He just went.

-Tricia-

My oldest son, Hayden, started Kindergarten today. I can't believe how fast these last 5, almost 6 years, have gone by. He was so excited to go to school with all of the other big kids today. I had been excited for this day up until last Friday when I awakened with a knot in my gut. Suddenly, the reality that my baby wasn't a baby anymore hit me.

I woke him up this morning and we started the new routine: get up, do bathroom stuff, wash face, brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth again, and do hair. Then we took a few pictures and headed to school!

When we arrived, Hayden was ecstatic to see his best friend Kaden who is in the other morning class. He firmly told me it was "unfair" that the two couldn't just play during school time. Karri, Kaden's mom, took a couple of pics of the boys together just as the bell rang and the kids had to line up. Hayden strolled off, when I stopped him and said, "Aren't you going to give me a hug?" He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and replied, "Ah Mom, there's kids around." Taken aback, and now feeling like I'd been stabbed in the heart, I proceeded to beg. He came back to me, put his arm around my waist, and just sort of head-butt me in the hip - in place of the hug I had been seeking. Beggars can't be choosers I guess, so I accepted it, and watched him head into his classroom to find his chair as directed by his teacher, Mrs. Homer.

Feeling proud of myself for not crying in public, I turned to see Karri crying about Kaden and there it was... that knot in my gut was back and I could feel the pools forming. I walked quickly back to my car, hopped in, ignited the engine, and burst into alligator tears followed by sobs. I had to call my sister for some comfort.

When I returned to the school 2 1/2 hours later to pick him up, he came bouncing from his class and told me, "That was great!" He was totally stoked for school and can't wait to go back.

Hayden, you are such an amazing little boy. I'm so proud of you and excited for this new journey in your life. I feel so blessed that our Heavenly Father entrusted me to be your Mommy. I love you to the moon and back, Doodle Bug.