The twins had their first ever first day of school today. I can't believe they're in Kindergarten already. It feels like a whole new phase of parenthood to have kids in school. My thoughts on all of this are probably a bit disjointed, so bear with me ;)
I had hoped that this school year would be normal compared to last year, and it is a bit, but with everything how it is right now we are still sending them to school with masks. They don't love it but thankfully we have some fun ones for them to wear, and their teacher will help them if they have trouble putting them on or anything. I wish the pandemic wasn't the way it is, but until then, we are doing our best with the situation.
They've been so excited to start school, especially after meeting their teacher and seeing their classroom. Recently it's been "x more tomorrows until school!" every day. I had them start with being in the same class together in Kindergarten, and we'll see how things progress from there for if/when they eventually do separate. It's been comforting to know that they'll have each other for now.
Although honestly, I have nothing to worry about. They're old for their grade, they're smart kids, they're good at listening to teachers, and they make friends so fast. They're going to be fine. I know that.
But they're also my babies. Thinking of them riding the bus, going to school, and ultimately starting a new phase of life where they gradually rely on me less and have to figure things out for themselves, it's a lot. I don't know what will be too new, hard, or scary to them. And this might sound dramatic, but I also know that in a way this is the beginning of the end. Over the years they will come to rely on themselves and their friends and need me less. That's what we want, but it's still a lot. (And I can't help thinking of the song There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney, give it a listen if you feel like crying)
I was excited to take the typical first day of school pictures though! I can't wait to see how they progress through the years.
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| She wanted to take a picture like this too, and she added Movie Maker to her dream jobs :) |
Sending them off on the bus this morning was really cute. Their backpacks are at least half the size of their bodies. And they already have some friends in their class. They got to play with a friend for a bit while waiting for the bus, and then when they were getting on they all held hands. I can't handle that amount of cuteness!!
It's also a complicated feeling in other ways, sending them off to their first day of school. I'm reminded that that's a milestone we never got to have with Matthew. And I always thought I'd have other sibling(s) in tow as we sent them off and welcomed them home, that they'd be so excited to see them and that I would get more individual time with the younger one(s) in the meantime. Of course none of that came to be.
Instead, this is our first *and* last time sending kids to school for the first time. It's mostly sweet, but still bittersweet.
Ultimately though, I'm excited for the twins and excited to see them keep learning and growing. These kids, you guys. They are my heart. ♥
Ashley
