A Love Letter to a Certain 1st Grader

Dear Andrew James Rieckmann,

Today you officially started 1st grade.  This is the moment you have been waiting for all summer long.  My heart is literally swelling with pride.  You woke up bright and early with a big grin on your face, ate your breakfast, and got all spiffy in your new school clothes.

Doesn't he look handsome?

Your awesome backpack

Your brother Jack, your cousin Gavin, and your friend Shaylor were all excited for you and wanted in on the action.

Please excuse Jack's half-nakedness.  We definitely need to work on a new morning routine!

Then off we went to school.  When I was walking with you up to your classroom, I could see that you were feeling a bit nervous.  As for me, I had to seriously resist grabbing your hand and taking you to the Kindergarten classes.  I knew that would just be silly, but that is what we know.  Right?  So instead, I just looked at the little Kindergartners and realized how much bigger you are now.  You definately belong in 1st grade.

Your classroom looks wonderful and your teacher seems like she just might be the best in the world.  You are so lucky to be going to such a fantastic school.  I am so happy that your friends Ben, Tony, Saliou, and Kylie are in your class with you.  Waving good-bye to you was hard and I felt tears prick my eyes, but I know that you are in great hands and that your days at school will be filled with fun, learning, friendship and joy.

At your desk

Andrew, it has only been a few hours since I left you there at your desk, but I have thought of nothing else but you.  I keep wondering what you are doing right now.  Are you comfortable?  Are you missing home (Oh, I hope not!)?  Is your teacher as wonderful as she seems?

Sitting by your friend Kylie from Kindergarten

Andrew, I hope you know how much you are loved and how proud your mom and dad are of you.  As you venture into this great, big, awesome world, I hope you always remember to just be yourself.  Because yourself is really WONDERFUL!!!  We love you so very much!  See you at 3:00!!  I can't wait.

With a heart full of love for you,

Your Mom

Time is Not on My Side

I have been feeling a little melancholy lately.  Summer is almost over and I feel like time is slipping through my fingertips.  I try to grasp a hold of it, but it keeps running by faster and faster everyday.  My Andrew is going to be starting 1st grade and will be leaving me all day. 

Honestly, this has been one of the best summers of my life and I don't want it to end!  It is a very bittersweet feeling...

Time,

Time,

Time, see what's become of me

While I looked around for my possibilities.*

I recently heard someone say that since Time cannot be her friend, she just decided to make peace with it.  And that is how I plan on living.  My children are growing faster than I ever imagined and I am so VERY thankful that I have been able to witness the magic of their youth every single day. 

Great things are in store for us.  I can feel it in the air.

*Hazy Shade of Winter by the Bangles

Missing: One Tooth

Last week, Andrew lost his 1st tooth!  He has several loose ones and the one on the bottom was the loosest.  Also, I noticed that his permanent tooth was already starting to grow and was shoving his baby tooth forward.  So, I was very happy when it finally fell out!  It saved us a trip to the dentist!!

When his tooth fell out, Andrew told his Daddy, "This is the best day of my entire year!"

You can already see his permanent tooth growing in.

WOW!  $5!!  The Tooth Fairy must have really loved his tooth!