Though there’s a lot of living in between, it’s often life’s ‘firsts’ and ‘lasts’ that we remember and cherish the most.
A baby’s first cry, first crawl, first tooth, first taste of food, first step, first birthday, first words. A child’s first bike ride without training wheels, first loose tooth, first day of kindergarten, first soccer game, first sleepover. A teenager’s first time behind the wheel, first prom, first date, first kiss, first job, first college acceptance letter. An adult’s first promotion, first year of marriage, first home, first child.
Then there are lasts. Last night in a crib, last baby tooth, last time in a booster seat, last day of summer camp, last time with a friend before he moves away, last End of Grade test, last varsity football game, last prom, last day of high school, last day of vacation, last family dinner before moving away to college. Last look around a first home. Last day of work before retirement.
My heart was a little heavy last week as we experienced a first and a last with our sweet boy, Brooks. I know he’s mature enough to begin his life away from me, but it sure is hard to let go, even the littlest bit.
Wednesday was a big day for us. It was the day of kindergarten registration which is completely mind-boggling. I feel like a cartoon character whose mouth is hanging open and someone needs to come by and pop it back into place. I just can’t believe it’s already time for kindergarten. Where in the world did the last five years go?
For Brooks, it was his very first time walking into his soon-to-be elementary school, the school where he will learn multiplication tables, skin his knees, laugh in the cafeteria, make lifelong friends, develop his first crush.
As we sat there and listened to the principal and teachers talk about his new school and all of the exciting experiences that await the rising kindergarteners, I found myself growing excited for him. He’s ready to move on from preschool, so I must be there for him. I will for sure shed some tears this fall as he begins this new adventure, but I will try my hardest not to let him see me do it.
Also on Wednesday was his last preschool program. His preschool puts on several programs throughout the year. They are so much fun, and the kids always do a wonderful job. This program was called Spring Sharing, and the theme was Down on the Farm. The kiddos had practiced their songs for weeks, and were like little Broadway stars.
As I laughed and smiled the night of the show, a little part of me was sad. Brooks and his classmates looked so tall and mature as they stood in the back doing exactly what they were supposed to while some of the toddlers wallered around up front or yelled out for Mommy. The contrast between Brooks’s class and the little ones was a visual reminder that he’s ready to graduate preschool, but again, it’s not easy to accept.
When Brooks was born, the first three months seemed like an eternity. He tried to win the award for most colicky baby, and I stumbled through those early days of motherhood, exhausted and unsure of anything I did. Now all of a sudden, he’s five and it’s time for him to begin a new phase in his life.
No one said being a mom was easy, but I always thought the rough times would be the hardest. As I sit here and type this, I’m starting to think it’s the exact opposite. I can deal with tantrums, leaky diapers, loud car rides, sleepless nights, and sibling fights.
It’s the special times that bring tears to my eyes and make my heart ache with happiness and pride. So as my sweet boy journeys to kindergarten and begins a new chapter in his life, I will be his biggest cheerleader and his toughest coach. I will try to absorb as many moments as I possibly can because it really does all go so quickly, and I’m not planning on missing a bit of it.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I remember the day my oldest went off to kindergarten and I cried like a baby. Now he’s in 4th grade already and honestly, I look at him all the time and I don’t know where almost 10 years went.
susannabarbee says
Time really does fly! It’s craziness.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
I’m contemplating a second child now. Can I handle it? I’m so lucky with how awesome my first is, do I really want to press my luck?!
susannabarbee says
Having two is SO much fun! Sometimes I’ll watch them play or hold hands while walking and feel an overwhelming feeling of joy that they will always have one another. I didn’t think I had enough room in my heart for another, but I adore my little one just as much.
louidam1 says
I remember just like it was yesterday when my daughters were first born. Time flies just way too fast! Now they’re ages 8 and 6 and I just sit back and enjoy all the precious moments in their lives. It always brings tears in my eyes.
Candy O. says
How sad and exciting at the same time! You know people write about having babies and toddlers, it’s when you realize that your toddler, has turned into an actual kid!! It’s the weirdest thing. I’ve got a 7 yr old.. but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Christie says
That day is coming for us this year as well. I can’t believe Kindergarten is here
Jaime says
I just can’t imagine L as a kindergartner. I can’t believe how big Brooks is now!!
susannabarbee says
I know! Our little ones will be there before we know it.
Tracey Tabone says
What a powerfully written post. Time really flies and it’s important to try and enjoy the moments along the way.
– Tracey @ Just a Trace
susannabarbee says
Thank you, and I completely agree!
Shop with Me Mama says
first and lasts are so hard! I know exactly what you mean!!
Shell says
Such a big milestone! My youngest has his kindergarten registration soon.
Savannah says
So….. I’m crying my eyes out! Our little Brooks! Loved that. Love you guys.
susannabarbee says
We love you too, Aunt Savannah. What happened to ‘Baby Brooks’?
StacieinAtlanta says
Awwww he is such a cutie! I seriously cried almost the entire day when my oldest went into Kindergarten.
casavilorainteriors says
I do love the wonderful firsts in my family. Those are truly what you remember
sippycupmom says
He’s so adorable. I can’t believe how fast time goes. My girls just turned one and I can’t even believe it.
Valerie Gray (@valmg) says
Kindergarten is a big day, for you and him! Time goes by so quickly and take lots of photos. It’s going to seem like he gets on the bus in the famm and comes home about age 15, that’s how fast they grow.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
It’s a big time! And just think, the best is yet to come for all of you!
Brett Martin (@brettbmartin) says
he’s going to have an awesome kindergarten year. and i’m going to go cry in the corner. my baby is going to kinder in fall too. she’s already “mommy i knw you are going to cry when i leave you for the bus”
Jenni Polly Eaves says
Aww, he’ll do great and he’s SUCH a cutie!! There will still be plenty of firsts that you’ll experience with him. I’ve got one son, and I totally understand the ups and downs of all the firsts and lasts. <3
The New Classy says
When my daughter first started kindergarten she loved it. It was daycare that was tricky.
You little one is such a cutie!
April @ My Real Food Family says
It’s so much fun to watch children grow up. My oldest will graduate from college in December and while it’s hard to think of her as an adult it’s also exciting to see her make her way in the world and realize that in spite of everything I did, she turned out alright 🙂
Krystal says
This is such a sweet story. My little dude is almost two, and I can hardly believe I no longer have a baby!
Rosey says
It is so bittersweet when they’re doing new things. You’re right, it’s exciting though, knowing that they’re about to learn and do so many great things!
Dina Demarest (@dinade) says
aww so sweet. My firstborn will go off to college soon. It goes by so fast.
Ashley M says
Wow I really love that – First and Last. It’s not something I had ever really considered. Good luck on this new journey!
Erica says
Today had a big first in it for us. My oldest visited his first college for evaluation purposes! Yikes!
susannabarbee says
Wow! Best of luck to him.
melinda says
he’ll never not need you. kindergarten isn’t him leaving, it’s him growing
susannabarbee says
So true. Thank you for that reminder!
amittenfull says
Aw, I remember that first precious day as well. I wish I would have written down my thoughts about it then- as you did here. It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling. Enjoy every moment and congrats Mama for getting him this far- he will be fine (while you sob and worry the whole time lol)
susannabarbee says
Thank you! And I will be sure to document the day as it will be very special for all of us.
Kenda Smith (@RemakingJune) says
It’s so true – there are so many firsts and lasts. It seems like some of them will last forever (like first tantrums lol) and before you know it, it’s over. Definitely hold on to the moments.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Isn’t that the truth! I may not have my own children but I feel like this about my niece!
Felicia says
Ok, I’m over here trying not to cry! I completely remember those days myself. Why must they go so quickly?
Toni says
oh I remember feeling all those feelings with each of mine. Time goes by so fast it’s so important to cherish every bit of it.
Mommy2Jam says
TIme goes by so fast. I love my boys so much and I couldn’t imagine stopping at just one. they do add a little chaos however I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
susannabarbee says
I absolutely agree! What would life with boys be without chaos?
teresa mccluskey says
Amazingly said! Wiping a tear from my eye. My baby turned 2 yesterday and my oldest is turning 4 in Nov. so I know just what you mean!
A Mom's Take says
Heading off to kindergarten is SUCH an exciting time! My 2nd will start Kindergarten this year.
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
I bet seeing his new school for the first time was fun. I hope he has a great time.
Amber Killmon (@AmberSBL) says
I still get teary eyed thinking about all the happy times. Even the tantrums bring joy to my heart <3