A Big First For Caden

For the last few weeks I've been reading blog and Facebook posts about moms sending their babies off to Kindergarten and how hard it has been. I admit, I've been a little judgmental and enjoyed poking fun at sappy moms everywhere shedding tears as the bus pulls away. I couldn't understand how sad these moms were when I was more than thrilled to be getting a break from the endless questions and energy of my five year old. Plus, Caden craves social interaction and intellectual stimulation that is harder to get at home. I think it is safe to say we were both equally excited for Kindergarten and I swore there would be no tears on my end.

I'm happy to report no tears were shed today, but there was a bit of tugging on my heart strings.

When I went into Caden's room to get him out of bed, he was already dressed, his room was clean and his backpack was full of the things he needed to take with him today. His little feet scurried faster than I have ever seen them go as he ate breakfast, brushed his teeth and combed his hair. Papa Chip and Nana Kathey have been visiting this weekend and decided to stay an extra day to see Caden off on his first day of school. Chip and Caden had the truck warmed up fifteen minutes before we had to leave for the bus stop. The entire family, equipped with cameras and video recorders, piled into the truck to take Caden to the bus. We're a very proud family!

The bus pulled up and Caden got on, without ever looking back. And then my heart melted...just for a second. My little boy is growing up.

Of course we all had to follow the bus to school just to make sure he knew where to go once he was there. When he saw me on the grass snapping pictures of him getting off the bus he yelled, "Mom, what are you doing here?" and he continued to run past me without stopping. And then when he caught me sneaking into the school snapping more pictures of him waiting on their special step for his teacher he said, "I told you to get out of here"!

Point taken. I left. I left with glossy eyes and a lump in my throat, but no tears were shed. (**I'm repenting and publicly apologizing to the moms I thought were sappy and I teased. I get it now!)

Caden's photo shoot before leaving for school. He has never been this cooperative taking pictures.