First Day, Big Day
Well, we did it! We survived the first day of school again, and this time with two little ones heading off to brand-new classrooms, meeting unfamiliar teachers, and making brand-new friends—it felt like a real milestone. It's kind of surreal to say it, but I'm officially the mom of a first grader and a preschooler now. You moms out there probably know what I mean—it doesn't feel real sometimes, does it? One moment, you're rocking your baby, and the next, they're walking into school like pros.
I took a deep breath, realizing that Aliyah had already grown so much since her kindergarten days. She confidently led the way, sharing all the ins and outs of school life with her younger brother, Brayden. Watching her walk off with such poise reminded me of how far she's come. We gave our usual over-the-top hugs and kisses, and she was off—just another little face among the crowd of excited kids flooding the brightly colored hallways. The transition from kindergarten to first grade is always a bit of a whirlwind, isn’t it? There’s so much more structure, but also a whole lot of fun waiting for them.
Next up was Brayden, who had been counting down the days to preschool all summer. He strutted into the building like a little champ, his tiny backpack slung over his shoulders and a cheerful expression on his face. But as soon as he saw the classroom, things changed. His happy-go-lucky demeanor disappeared, replaced by tears and a death grip on my hand. Poor guy was clearly having second thoughts about leaving me behind. I wanted to swoop him up and whisk him away, but instead, I stayed put, letting him take it all in at his own pace. Sometimes, kids need time to adjust in their own way. Last year during karate lessons, he stood frozen in the corner while everyone else was moving around. I was worried, but by the end of the session, he was cheering louder than anyone else. Kids are resilient, aren’t they?
By the time we left, Brayden was giving hugs and waving goodbye with a smile. It was hard not to shed a tear as we drove home, knowing they were both taking these steps toward independence. They’re growing up faster than I ever imagined, and while it’s bittersweet, it’s also incredibly rewarding to see them thrive.
I can’t help but think about how much I’ve learned along the way. Parenting is never straightforward, is it? Some days, I feel like I’m winging it, but then moments like these remind me that I’m doing okay. They’re spreading their wings a little wider every day, and I’m learning to let go just enough to watch them soar.
As always, thanks for sticking around to read about our little adventures. xo
P.S. This year’s teacher gift was simple but thoughtful—a cute apple-themed tote I found last year, some EOS lip balms for the kids to give their teacher, and a Starbucks gift card. It’s the little things that count, right? Last year’s gift was similar, just as meaningful. Check it out here.
Squid Flower,Frozen Calamar Flower,Frozen Octopus Flower,Frozen Pineapple Cut Squid Flower
Zhoushan Haiwang Seafood Co., Ltd. , https://www.haiwangseafoods.com