We Are The Bruski's

You know how some days are just different than any other? You can kind of feel it coming. You know that it will be monumental (your little slice of the world monumental). And then when it arrives you know it is going to be different THAN MOST OTHER DAYS.

Today was one of those days.

For 4 years 10 months and 23 days Koen was always with me. Always is relative, but mostly always with me. He went to work with me- yes he wasn't always in my classroom, but he was there. I have left him with family, friends, or Daddy and been without him. So why would today seem so different? Not sure- I am still trying to figure that out. I know that a piece of this puzzle that I have tried to solve all day has not so much to do with today but more to do with the past 4 years, 10 months, 23 days that we just left behind and the next years and years to come. I think every Mom has felt this as they faced the day like we did today. Maybe Dad's too- not sure. I felt alot of emotions about today...happy SAD anxious uncertainty PRIDE- and I knew that everything that I have done for him in the last 4 years, 10 months and 23 days had prepared him for this day. I just hoped that he would keep his senses today through all the excitement that he was feeling to remember all that we have taught him- manners, kindness, understanding, diversity...

So today came, and Koen was talking ninety to nothing about what his day was to hold. He was clearly EXCITED! I talked to Gannon; giving him fair warning that today would be the day that Koen would leave for awhile and he would not. I just knew that Gannon's little heart would break a bit missing his big brother. He said "OK Mama." In the end it was Koen that missed Gannon- go figure!

The time finally came so Koen got dressed in his new clothes and shoes. He spent a few extra seconds in front of the mirror looking at how handsome he was. I was glad he slowed down long enough for me to admire my sweety as well. He came downstairs so HAPPY that Daddy had come home from work to see him off. He knew it was picture time- I am his mother after all! So he headed to the fireplace (default pic spot in our house) to have his photo shoot.

First he was a little shy for the camera.

Then he warmed up a bit.

Put his backpack right on.

Showed off that backpack some more.

I loved on him for a sweet picture- Molly even wanted to send him off right.

Snuggled up to Daddy for a sweet pic.

And he was one handsome boy!

We arrived with plenty of time...at a brand new school...

Walked hand in hand with Daddy- shoulders held high.

Stopped one last time for a picture before going inside.

With much excitement Koen found his room.

Mrs. McLoughlin had his name sticker ready as we entered.

As he put his backpack away in his cubby his eyes were wide with excitement as he took in all there was to see in the classroom.

Koen then gave us both hugs and kisses and took his seat on the carpet just as his teacher had asked.

And off we went...into the 4th year, 10th month and 24th day of his life. We are more proud of this little boy than I ever thought a person could be. And as I drove away through blurred vision, I knew he would do great, love it, thrive on learning, never cease to be curious, but for some reason letting go was hard today.

It was so great as I drove into the loop, saw him in his little line of classmates, pointing and waving "That is my Mommy" he said. As he got into the car I knew he had a great day. He couldn't have been more happy at that moment.

What a great FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!