As a parent, we watch our kids go through a lot of firsts like their first word, first step and first tooth. We’ve been blessed to have so many firsts with our three incredible girls. And while the majority of them are happy moments and moments we want to remember so badly that we write it down, this week I experienced our first “first” that make my heart ache… Our youngest daughter’s first day of kindergarten. I was equally as excited as she was about it until it suddenly dawned on me. I’ll never be a part of another first day of kindergarten. And my heart broke.
Meet the Kindergarten Teacher
It all started last week when we went to meet Falynn’s teacher. She was literally walking faster than we could keep up with through the halls of her new school. Her little body was practically swallowed up by the large doors and long hallways.
She walked straight into her new kindergarten classroom, and right up to her new teacher and said “Hi! I’m Falynn.” As I watched from afar, I had to hold back the tears. My girl is fearless. She embraces every single new adventure and jumps in head first. She never worries about the things that could go wrong, like we tend to do. Instead, she focuses on all the things that will go right and how perfect it will all turn out.
When we found her table, there was a little boy sitting down in the seat next to hers. I was trying to sort out all of the supplies and get them to where they needed to go when Falynn asked me if she could go and play with her new friend on the other side of the room. It took her less than 5 minutes to make a new friend and the way they spoke to one another, it was like they had been friends for years. She was eager to introduce him and even more eager to learn every single thing she could about him.
Leaving the classroom that day, she was even more excited to come back and see her new kindergarten teacher and her new friend. And even while we walked around the school to get her older sister situated, she still kept an eye out for him, as well as other people she knew and gave hugs and high fives to anyone she recognized. She was already running the school, before she even officially started. I’m not sure what I was worried about.
First Day of Kindergarten
And while meet the teacher went smoothly, Monday morning was particularly hard. My alarm went off at 6:30am and my body was jolted into remembering that it wasn’t Summer anymore. I walked into the girls room, with my eyes half closed, rubbed Falynn on the arm and told her it was time to wake up for the first day of kindergarten. I’ve never seen anyone jump out of bed that quickly. She had her clothing picked out and placed in a neat pile and walked right over to it to get dressed. She couldn’t contain herself. The smile on her face was so big and so genuine, I thought my heart would burst.
She grabbed her snack, had a quick breakfast and I packed up the little gifts we made for her friends. We took our traditional first day of school picture with the new signs I printed from happinessishomemade.com and surprisingly, not one tear was shed. By me, I mean. The girls have never cried on the first day of school. They are obviously not as weak as I am in these milestone moments.
And then the bus arrived. The look on Falynn’s face was more than I could handle (see below and you’ll understand why). She had been talking about riding the school bus for at least a year. It was the first time she wouldn’t sit with me, in the car and watch her sisters get on the bus. It was the first time I left that bus stop on my own, without my little sidekick in the seat next to me.
I realized that this moment in our lives would never happen again. Falynn was our last and our girls are growing up. It’s as though I blinked and the last 5 and a half years flew by. Even though she still looks like my baby to me, I know that she won’t be forever. I know that pretty soon she won’t be asking me for kisses or to sleep in my bed. She won’t be asking for help tying her shoes or for me to read her a book. She won’t be asking me to get her some juice or help her into the car. Every day she becomes more independent and every day I try my best to accept it. But honestly, a little piece of my heart breaks as each year goes by.
First time on the School Bus
So as she stepped onto the bus that morning, I cried. I cried because although that first step was big and scary and she wasn’t sure if she could make it up herself, she still did it. And even though she did it awkwardly, she did it on her own and walked onto that bus with all the confidence her little 5 and a half year old body could hold.
As I watched the bus drive off, I said a little prayer that school would be everything she ever imagined, that the kids would be kind to her and that she would be kind to them. I prayed that her teacher had all of the tools she needed for a successful year and that she would keep my baby safe in any and all circumstances.
And for the next 7 hours, I thought of her often. I tried to imagine what she was doing at that very moment and if she was scared at any point. I wondered how many friends she made and whether she remembered to ask their name. I hoped that she got through the lunch line quickly and had enough time to eat.
Of course, when she got off of the bus, she was all smiles. The day couldn’t have gone better for her and I got an email from her teacher confirming it. I’m so proud of her, as I am with all three of my girls, but I’m also so sad that from now on, our family will be experiencing a lot of last “firsts”. And while there will absolutely be tears shed, they will also be tears of gratitude because I know that there are so many out there that will never get to experience these firsts even once and we are so lucky to be able to experience them all three different times.
I hope you all had a great Summer, that your little ones are loving school as much as my girls are and that you aren’t as big a mess as I’ve been.
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Sarah Bailey
August 28, 2018What a lovely set of photos and happy last first day of kindergarten ever! I hope it goes really well for your little.
Charli Bruce
August 22, 2018How sad but exciting! My daughter has done all her firsts and school is nearly over for her, it feels like everything is going so fast x
LiveLoveAndAdventure
August 19, 2018Such a bittersweet day when they start kindergarten. I remember both of my kids first day and last year my grandson started kindergarten! It was a great to be there with him but wow, times goes by so fast!
Sayanti
August 19, 2018I hope they have an amazing year ahead full of fun and new learnings
ohmummymia
August 18, 2018They grow so fast! Too fast right? I hate it! I think I will be crying like a baby when my son will start kindergarten and it’s in next year;(
Bianca Dottin
August 17, 2018I remember my daughter’s last first day of kindergarten. It was so bittersweet. She only stayed in kindergarten for a couple of weeks until she got moved up to 1st grade.
Blair villanueva
August 17, 2018First days of school is always awesome. I remember we used to take that first-day-of-school photo, and I so excited about it.
Astrid
August 17, 2018Yes I know the feeling! I was actually more upset than my peanut was- every single time he started school. I am glad she had a good day at school. That paragraph about thinking about her all day and saying a prayer was emotional. I remember thinking of him, often as well. Hope they all have great days ahead during the school years to come and always!
Larrisha Hester
August 17, 2018Thanks for sharing such a great story. I can remember my daughters first day of Kindergarten. She was so ready to go to school but disappointed that she could not ride the bus so she was disappointed. This year will be her first year to ride the bus to and from school.
Dana Brillante-Peller
August 17, 2018This piece brought back so many memories. It’s interesting to see how others do their first day of Kinder. It’s been YEARS for our boys.
Claudia Krusch
August 17, 2018Time goes so fast! Enjoy while you can! My son grew up and I have no clue where those precious years went…
Princess Quinn
August 17, 2018I have the sentiment when my daughter finally had her first day in preschool. I was quite emotional that my baby finally hit school and that she is no longer a baby.
Emma Riley
August 16, 2018Your kids are all gorgeous and really enjoy reading this post. I do love remembering those first days and last days of my school when I am still a kid.
Ruth I.
August 16, 2018I remember my niece’s first day in kindergarten, almost all of us wants to go. lol! It must have been so exciting for her to start school!
Vanessa Delia
August 16, 2018Ah check these girls out! Kindergarten is so much fun!
Wendy Polisi
August 16, 2018I hope they have an amazing year! They are going to do so well!
Jeanine
August 16, 2018Ahh so bittersweet. I still have two more that will have to head to kindergarten in 2 years and 4 years. Once that is over it will be so bittersweet here too.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
August 16, 2018What very sweet photos! I’m sure it was a rollercoaster ride kinda day for you! Best to all for a great school year!
Pam
August 16, 2018This summer seems like it flew by. Watching your kids grow up is always bittersweet.
Fely
August 16, 2018Such a memorable event. I still remember my first day. Your daughter reminds me of mine. So outgoing and can make friends easy.
Evelyn
August 16, 2018Enjoy that stage, as my son just started middle school and it’s so different, they are treated as little adults. I miss the mothering and babying he got in elementary.
sammi
August 16, 2018That’s the spirit!! The expressions on her face say she’s all geared for life. You have such lovely daughters.
Nikki
August 16, 2018Your girls are so gorgeous! I think I would have bawled at the bus stop. I did when my son started Kindergarten. He’s my only, so everything he does is my “last first.”
Carol Cassara
August 16, 2018I think it’s always going to be bittersweet when you see them reaching milestone after milestone. It’s definitely an emotional day especially for you as a mom! You have amazing young women! Congrats!
Kelli A
August 16, 2018I recently experienced the last, last day of high school with my youngest. Enjoy these days and moments, they go so fast!!
Brittany
August 16, 2018Awe! What a special moment of royal family! Bittersweet, I’m sure! She is going to have such an amazing school year!
Debra
August 15, 2018Oh my word. Those signs are just the cutest thing ever. They really make for some fun first day of school photos!
Leigh Suznovich
August 15, 2018Aww, all of these firsts are so bittersweet but in the end it’s fantastic to watch them grow. Love this post!
Jessica Taylor
August 15, 2018My daughter started pre-K tosay and I am a mess! Maybe one day we will go through this again. So bittersweet.
Scott Gombar
August 15, 2018Awww, first day of school..such bittersweet sorrow. I honestly do not like when the kids go back to school but it can be fun too.
Flyingkids
August 15, 2018Such an adorable kid. Most parents feel this way. It’s hard to let go of the ‘baby’ in our children but at the same time, we all feel proud of how prepared they are to face the world. 🙂
Jackie
August 15, 2018Love the title of your blog! She is so excited to go to school, how cute!
Muna Kenny
August 15, 2018I had so many feelings when it was my son’s turn, I’m glad she’s happy and look all excited 🙂
a
August 15, 2018Oh my gosh, it’s adorable how excited she is! I don’t have kids so I can’t understand what you’re feeling but apparently my dad cried when I went to Kindergarten . . . too sweet!
Hope
August 15, 2018Now you have me tearing up ! I remember Lucia around that age ! Love watching g and reading about your beautiful little girls ❤️
Heather Castillo
August 15, 2018They are growing up so quickly, aren’t they?! Same with you! When I first met you, you were just starting high school I think!
Laura G
August 15, 2018Oh my Goodness, she seems so excited for her first day of school. I know how you feel, our littlest one just stared her last first day of daycare for our family. Crazy page that turns. And in 2 years, we’ll be at the last first day of kindergarten just like you… Good luck!
LaDonna Maxwell
August 15, 2018Awe, it’s bittersweet. I remember the day it was our last first day of kindergarten. Now, I’m an empty nester! You’re girls are beautiful too!
Ashley
August 15, 2018Aww that is a tough day! We start school next week, and I’m not emotionally ready.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
August 15, 2018Well this is my last “back to school” ever! #college 😉
Monidipa Dutta
August 15, 2018All of your kids the super cute. If I tell you you won’t believe I have a very sharp memory I till date remember my first day in Kindergarten. Because I was the only one who wasn’t crying and I was extremely eager to go in. My mumma was way more looking worried than me about my first day.
Brittany Vantrease
August 15, 2018My baby won’t start kindergarten until next year, but he will be the last first day, too. Last year, when my daughter was in Kindergarten, the school encouraged me to go eat breakfast with her. I thought I would be tear free, but sitting at that table, watching her eat in that gymnasium had be sniffling. It’s always sweet when your firstborn does their firsts, but it’s bittersweet when your last one does.
Melissa Chapman
August 15, 2018Your kids are gorgeous and I love the first day picture. I always take the first day picture and like to compare it to the end of the year. I am sad these days will not always be there someday.
Melanie
August 15, 2018My triplets are starting kindergarten. They are my “last” K5 kiddos, too! They are excited. I am glad that they have one another to experience it with.
Chrissy
August 15, 2018Awww, this post is making me get all emotional! My son is only 3 so he hasn’t gotten to the kindergarten stage yet but I also know it will be here sooner than I can imagine!
Tasheena
August 15, 2018All of your girls look like twins. Too cute! My son’s first day of school he couldn’t wait to start taking the school bus. This is going to be such a fun year for your girls.
Terri Steffes
August 15, 2018Your kindergartener’s enthusiasm for the first day is delightful. I hope she continues to find that joy for the rest of her educational career!
Tomi C
August 15, 2018Happy School Year! One of ours started college this year and OMG I think it was just as bad as his first day of kindergarten. The years flew by so fast. Here’s wishing a wonderful school year to each of your kiddos.
Amber Myers
August 15, 2018I’m glad she had a great first day! It’s always tough for parents. I was excited to get some quiet, but at the same time, I always missed my kids.
Ashley
August 15, 2018Oh wow, school has started already??? Summer went by fast!! My son doesn’t start till September. Second grade this year 🙂
Jeanette
August 15, 2018Today is my kiddos first day of school. He is not looking forward to it but I am hoping once he gets there he will be just fine. It breaks my heart knowing that he does not want to go and I have to make him. It looks like your kids are excited to go. I hope they had a great first day.
Alli Smith
August 15, 2018I remember my oldest child’s first day of Kindergarten. It was a long time ago and I have photos of her getting on the bus. Then I met her at school to make sure she was OK. I cried all the way home. I did the same thing when we packed her off to college. Hope your daughter has an awesome year!
Heather Castillo
August 15, 2018And I bet the years in between just flew by too! My oldest will be in college before I know it as well. I wish there was a pause button!
candy
August 15, 2018Monday will be the last and first day of kindergarten for a grandson this year. My how time flies. He is so excited and has already meant his teacher and knows where his desk is located.