The Moment of Truth

The day has finally arrived. It's the day I've been dreading all summer long. Carter walked up the street to his first day of Kindergarten this morning. He didn't seem a bit nervous until we found his seat. He sat there quietly. Suddenly he didn't look so big any more. He seemed really small.

These sort of changes wouldn't be so hard if I knew what it would be like once we settled into the routine. The uncertainty of the new makes me nervous. My cousin used to say that she dreaded the start of the new school year and she looked forward to a couple of weeks later when everything that is new becomes routine. I wonder what this new life is going to be like. What's Carter's teacher like? How much homework does a Kindergartener have? Is the cafeteria food any good?

Carter is very excited about Kindergarten, though. He eagerly anticipates everything he's going to learn. He told me one day that he can't wait to come home and teach Will everything he's learned. A few days later, impressed that I knew some bit of knowledge he said "Mama, you know a lot. When I go to kindergarten, I'll teach you everything I learn and then you'll be really smart." I agreed. I can't wait for him to teach me everything he learns.

I've been trying to remember what it's like to have just one little one around the house all day. I purposefully focused on the positives. I do remember how much easier it is to go to the grocery and run errands. Fixing lunch will be somewhat simpler. But even with the simplification it brings, I can't help but think it's the complicated entanglements that makes life so interesting.

When we brought Carter home from the hospital, he was so huge for a newborn. He cried so loudly. He wanted to eat constantly and never wanted to sleep. I was so happy to have my mother and mother-in-law around because I lacked any real experience with babies. Then one day, they all left. Nathan went to work. I was terrified. I had no idea what to do with this baby all by myself. It's funny now since I don't know what to do without him.

I'm sure Will and I will figure it out. As you can tell, he's not suffering. I get the idea being the only child around during the day suits him just fine. (Oh! The day is almost half over already!)