addy starts school.

How has this happened? I swear, I am turning into an old lady who just sits around and comments on how fast time flies. But seriously, it seems like Austen just started school, and Addy was just a funny toddler, and now, somehow, Addy is grown-up enough to start her educational journey?

Sigh.

We woke up early on Day 1 so that Addy could take a quick shower and we could blow dry and flat iron her hair. She wanted to be “cute” on the day she was going to meet her new friends. I felt a crazy stab of nervousness for her as she buttoned up her school uniform… So many social pressures already… and she’s only in Pre-First!

Hugest thanks to Nathan for taking over the camera for a large portion of this morning. It feels like I am rarely in pictures with my kiddos, and Nathan wanted to remedy that for me. I love the way that mundane activities like hairdrying and flat ironing can be captured beautifully. I love that we’ll never forget what the process of this first morning was like.

Nathan had come up with the idea of getting the kids First Day of School presents… so he had those ready for them when we headed down for breakfast. I love these images that he captured of them… they were so excited about their presents :)

Wonder where she gets her dramatic-ness?

Austen manages to stay slightly more composed… but excited, nonetheless.

Then it was time for a quick & easy (and overly sugary..eek!) breakfast.

Addy had wanted to see pictures from Austen’s first day of school… so I had pulled those out. She has grown up so much.

Final prep… and we headed out the door! (Running a tiny bit late, of course)

Addy was still so excited about her present… She was barely even talking about school at this point. I don’t think she had a chance to be nervous!

Quick portraits in the parking lot… (again, thanks to my amazing husband :))

I swiped the camera back, and stole one more image of her before we walked into the school. I was mostly needing to hide my eyes, because I was shocked by the level of emotion I was feeling.

Nervousness hit… but only a little. She’s seriously the bravest little girl I know.

A couple of fun first day details-

Quick goodbyes in the hallway. I love how lovey Addison always is. It’s so good for my heart to have snuggly loving kids.

Austen said “Only a hug!” but whether he liked it or not, he was getting a kiss. I love his face here… half smile, half grimace :)

Into the classroom she goes. She stood for a few moments looking around, trying to figure out which seat was hers. It was SO hard for me not to run in there and help her… but that’s the point, right? We’re supposed to let them figure it out on their own?

She’s a smart girl. She stopped searching, and turned to her new teacher. I love this image. It makes me feel safe. My girl knows when to ask for help… and she’s got a great teacher who will take care of her.

Major milestone successfully completed. I may have had to wipe my eyes a few times while walking back to the car… hand-in-hand with the father of my beautiful children… but at least I didn’t have to attend the boo-hoo breakfast with other kindergarten moms :)

It’s hard to watch your kids grow up. But it’s beautiful to see them become amazing little people.

I’m so blessed.

Addy… I’m SO proud of you. You’re such a big girl, and you are rocking school… just like we knew you would. Thank you for being such a hard worker. I love you so much!

love, love, love… and hugs and kisses. Lots of them.

-mom.