Jacob's first day of (real) school

On Monday, Jacob officially started his school career. It was his first day of Kindergarten. He's been to our church's ECC program which is essentially a preschool for the past three years but this is different. This is "real" school.

The morning started out with an unconscious Jacob and getting him ready for school. It takes a good five minutes just to wake him up. So after getting things packed, boys dressed, breakfast made and eaten, we were running late. Luckily the school is only a minute or two drive away (minus traffic). But being the first day of school, there was serious congestion around the school. So we parked a few blocks away and walked him to his class. He was fine and happy, even running towards the school with Andrew. But when it was time for us to leave though, that was another story. He gave each of us a hug but the problem was, he never let go of the hug. It was a death grip. I encouraged him to go and that it was going to be fun and that's when his eyes filled with tears. He didn't cry but he was trying hard to hold back. Then the teacher took him by the hand and led him to his seat. We had to leave ASAP. The longer you linger, the harder you make it on yourself and him. It was sad. It was sad to see him sad. It was sad because our little guy is not so little anymore.

An intimidating sight for any five year-old.

Lynn had gone back to the school to drop off his back pack since we forgot to bring it in the mist of the chaos that morning and she had happen to see him in the hallway. He was perfectly fine. In fact, he was actually happy. He said "hi" and "bye", and continued his school day. And when he got home from school, he said he liked school and had fun. He's so big now!

Jacob enjoying his celebratory "first day of school" cupcake. (Andrew's busted nose is another story.)

The dynamic at home is different now since Jacob is at school. Andrew has lost his best friend. It's much more quiet and it's weird to see Andrew playing by himself. He then comes to me and says, "I want you to play with me. Pleeeease." That's his new thing now, saying "Pleeeeease" after asking for anything. It's hard to say no but I can't play with him all day long. I'd like to get some things done during my limited time off of work. He gets bored easily and I need Jacob to occupy his time.

Today when I dropped off Jacob at school, it was still sad. Jacob was okay. He was happy to go to school. He got out of the car and put his huge back pack on all by himself, even staggered a bit putting it on, and walked towards the front entrance all by himself. At one point he ran along the sidewalk because he really wanted to run that morning. It was just sad for me. It finally sunk in that he is all grown up now. Next thing you know he will not want to play with me anymore because I'm uncool, choose his friends over me, and when that day comes, I will really be sad. Good thing I have two more kids.