A letter to Aiden on his first day of Kindergarten

My dearest Aiden, My bud, My oldest,

I love you, dude, and I can't believe you're already old enough to go to Kindergarten!  Honestly, I feel like I just had you... And now you're FIVE!  

This morning, you were stoked.  After getting dressed and making your bed on your own, you came into my bathroom to get your hair done and you could hardly keep your excitement contained.  It was great to know that you were excited and not nervous at all (like me!).  

You asked me if I thought you looked handsome in your new shirt and new shoes and I said, "You look smokin'!"  You might have been a little embarrassed, but I think you liked it.  :)

You had oatmeal (your fav) for breakfast and we talked a bit about school, but not much.

Audrey had cinnamon Life cereal for breakfast and she was a bit sad that she wasn't going to school with you today.  I assured her that she was starting preschool next Wednesday, but I think she's really going to miss you while you're gone each morning.  She LOVES playing with you.  In fact, she told me this week that you're her best friend.  

Even though Bennett couldn't say it, he'll miss you, too.  

Dad stayed home this morning so he could be with us on your first day.  He loves you tons and was super confidant that you'd have a blast today at school.

We all got some of our sillies out during breakfast...

Then... It was time for the big "back to school" picture session.  I was glad we were all ready early so I could take as many pictures as I wanted to remember what today was like.  

You insisted on taking your first picture with the new McDonald's toy you had gotten yesterday... It was some kind of red alien, but you were proud of it.

I'm really glad we decided to get a plain backpack this year and put patches on it.  I think you were skeptical at first, but once I put them on there, you were so proud of your unique backpack and really excited to wear it in your pictures and bring it to school.  I love that about you - you're happy to be unique, your own dude, yourself.  I hope you hold on to that, sweetheart, because you're super special.

I made this sign for you to hold and you totally indulged me.  Get used to it, bud, because I have a feeling it's happening every year.  I may even make you do it when you're off to college.  ;)

Papa was here on your first day.  He was really excited for you... so much so that he flew all the way from Southern California just so he could see you on your first day.  He really loves you.

Audrey wanted to be a part of the picture action, too.  See anyone else that wanted "in"? (Or should I say "out"?)

Then, Gigi and Grampa came on over!  They were really excited to see you on your first day, too.  I think Gigi was a little teary-eyed, but I won't tell you that until you're older.  

Great smiles, everyone!  I think you thought it was pretty fun to be the center of attention... getting your picture taken with everyone.

Smiles with mom... 

Smiles with mom and dad...  

Dad wanted to see "who was taller"... It wont' be long, bud, before you're as tall as or taller than your daddy.  

Your dad and I and Papa all drove you to school.  There were so many people that we had to park on the next street and walk you in.  You looked so big to me walking around the corner with Dad, wearing your backpack.  Way older than five, it seemed.  

Once we got to the school, you saw your teacher, Mrs. Dean, and where all the other kids were sitting at the edge of the playground lined up.  You went right up to the teacher, said, "Good Morning, Mrs. Dean," and sat down in the line.  I was so proud.  

I thought it was funny that you were a little apprehensive about talking to the girls sitting next to you.  They seemed nice but probably a little silly, huh? 

I wondered as you sat there which boys or girls you would become friends with.  Who would you choose?  We talked on the way to school about introducing yourself to try and make a friend and I hope you do that today.  You're a nice friend and I hope the other kids notice that.

You waved goodbye to me and Dad as your line started to go into the classroom.  It was a proud and sad moment for me.  I was surprised that none of the kids were upset at all about leaving their parents (although I knew you would be just fine) but I was still proud about how well you listened and followed the other kids into your first real classroom.

Aiden, buddy,

I miss you already even though it's only been an hour since we dropped you off.  You're a super sweet boy and so smart!  I know you're going to do really well in school and you're going to love it, too!  I can't wait until 12:03 when I can pick you up at the bus stop!  

XOXO,

Momma