The first day of school--Boo-Hoo or Woo-Hoo?

A little bit of both. Each of the kids were funny in their own way today. Kate was eager to prove that she was "big" and didn't need her Mom. She took herself to class today and ducked her head when I came later to her classroom to snap a few pictures. She was clearly embarrassed to have me there and I was denied a kiss for the first time. Sigh. She is getting bigger.

Ella was nervous. She wanted to be dropped off last and as she walked into the classroom she visibly hid inside herself. She dropped her head a bit and hunched her shoulders. I'm sure by the end of the day she'll be her bright-eyed, bubbly self. I felt worried leaving her in a situation where I knew she wasn't comfortable. A little boo-hoo.

Jackson. Jackson was himself through and through. I had to ask him 10 times to hold still so I could take his picture in class. He was directing me on where to put things and couldn't help reminding me that he was perfectly correct in his idea of where his backpack should go. Not that I was disputing him. I was simply trying to get him to hold still so I could document the momentous occasion of him entering 1st grade. He got settled and didn't even notice when I left. I got the distinct impression that he couldn't wait for me to get out so he could get on with it all ready. Boo.

Max doesn't start school until next week much to his disappointment. He was ready this morning with his backpack. He was thrilled until we left all the kids at the school. He wailed all the way to the car: "I want my Ella-Kate...wah, JJ...sniff, sniff." Repeat over and over. Big Boo-Hoo.

Ah, another year begins and my kids get older. This makes me sad and a bit nostalgic. However, I did make it through Walmart today at record pace with only one little man to slow me down. There's nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. I might actually get something done today. I'm feeling saner already. Big Woo-hoo!