One of those days

Today was one of those days as a mother where you can not help bursting with pride while tearing up from both joy and sadness. Parker had his very first day of preschool today. He simply could not wait for this day to come. At his school they have all the kids bring buckets instead of backpacks. So cute.

I could not handle the excitment in Parker's face in first picture. So cute. Just ignore that he looks like he is doing the potty dance, just a coincidence.

On the drive to preschool I was prepping him on minding his manners and all those things mothers say. Plus I explained to him that I was going to drop him off and leave. Here is how the conversation sounded....

Me: "When we get to preschool I am going to come in with you but when you are comfortable I will leave."

Parker: "But then you'll come back?"

Me: "yes"

Parker: "NO! don't come back"

Me: " Parker, I have to come back and get you...You can't stay at preschool forever."

Parker: "But why?"

Needless to say, he was little excited for this day to finally come. When we got there he jumped right in and gave his teacher, Mrs. Kircher, a really big hug. (He knew her already because she came to visit him at home a couple weeks ago) Next, he was off to playing with toys. I stood by him and watched him play a bit like all the other mothers until Parker stopped playing, stood up and said in a very loud whispery voice...

"Mommy (pause) you're supposed to leave."

I asked him for a kiss and hug and I was off. He didn't even watch me leave. Heartbreaking and reassuring all at once.

Two and half hours later I patiently awaited with all the other parents for the gate to open. I will always remember looking through the window and seeing my little baby sitting on his square on the floor with his classmates. He looked up and saw me in the window and his face lit up and waved. So well behaved and so innocent. I love him more and more with every milestone in his life.