His first day of school

Mama woke up early and got biscuits and bacon going for breakfast.  I had to go in to wake my new kindergartener, but he got up easily and got dressed.  Not much talk of the day until everyone sat down to breakfast, but the only concerned person was Hans...."Are those guys going to be my friends too, Freddie?  Will you play with me in the afternoons at the playground, Freddie?"  This pulled at my mama heart...my boys were doing their own thing now, separating.  Hans seems determined to keep them together and I know they are forever tied.

Before we left everyone got their kissing hand...

Put your kissing hand to your cheek when you are sad or lonely and the kiss I put in your hand
will go straight from your cheek to your heart

We brought Hans to school...

And then we made our way to school, walking hand in hand.  He kissed on my arms and side and seemed to have some nervous energy, but overall he was positive, upbeat, and excited!

Wardrobe change in the morning after he had a major butter smear on his pants.

We stopped for a few photos right before we got to school.

Showing his kissing hand

There was a huge pack of families waiting for the doors to open.  We saw some familiar faces and Freddie mingled.

Finally the doors opened and in we went.  Freddie's classroom in on the second floor.  He'll be going in all on his own beginning next week so we have another opportunity to practice getting there with mom.

peeking down at those still coming in the front doors

Once we found his classroom he went right in, found his cubby and took a seat.

There's one girl from his preschool that he knows in class and another friend he made from the playground, but everyone else was new.  The kid across from him immediately began telling Freddie how he was writing was wrong and to do it differently.  I could tell this shook Freddie a little and I had to restrain myself from taking this kid out.  Probably would not have made for a great day for Freddie, so I held back.  

I wanted a few more photos, but felt anxious and knew I shouldn't linger.  He needed to be left to do his thing, and he was totally fine to do so.  I moved to the hall for a bit and just peeked in the door for a bit before finally feeling the tears starting and so I got outta there quick!

It was just a half day so I picked him up at 11.30 inside the hallway.  I peeked down the hallway and spotted him right away as I waited in line to sign him out with his teacher.  Once they're in school for full days they'll be dismissed from the schoolyard.

He was all smiles and full of kisses for me, and his first question was "Where's Hans?"  His teacher immediately told me that he showed the class his "kissing hand," and that he had a great day.  On the walk to the tram to head into the city he told me kindergarten was "great" and his favorite part was recess on the playground.  He also really liked gym class and the fact that the teacher just wants to be called "coach."  Ah, what a big boy.

After a special lunch with Dad, we went back to reunite him with his brother.

I cannot believe we are here.  Freddie is in kindergarten.  It is bittersweet for so many reasons.  But I am so happy for him, and excited for the next part of the adventure.

I'm proud of you, Freddie.  I am so thankful to have had so much time with you before dropping you off for your first year of school.  I am so thankful to share in your excitement about school and new experiences.  I love you as big as the world.

Back to School Feast

Nothing like calling a meal a FEAST to instantly make it special.  Putting the white paper on the table for the boys to decorate and finding some "flowers" for the table brought the event up to a whole other level.  Freddie even decided the apartment has got to be "spotless."  Cannot argue with that!

I ordered special stars and had the year engraved to mark a new school year.

Dinner was nothing fancy, just pizza, broccoli, and ginger ale, but setting the table, adding flowers, cleaning up and decorating made this the perfect night before school tradition.  The boys were excited, and that's just the feeling I wanted without being some over the top production.

Dada brought home cupcakes for dessert...yum.   Definitely a special treat.

After dinner we had the "back to school fashion show,"  my way of getting the boys to try on some new duds (Thanks, Aunt Mary!) and get Freddie to pick out an outfit so it can be out and ready to go.

It's all how you frame things, folks, because there was not an ounce of complaining while trying on clothes for the "fashion show."  Usually I have to pin them down and offer bribes of chocolates to try on new clothes.  Next year we'll have to step up this portion of the evening a little.  Freddie wanted a stage and a microphone.  Oh my sweet boy.

All three boys wanted this t-shirt!

Before bed, the boys read The Kissing Hand.  There were the last hugs before turning into a kindergartner, and big kisses.  The backpack is packed, the school supplies bundled, the outfit laid out.  He's ready.  This is it!