End of Summer Zoo Fun.

Before we let Fawn start kindergarten, we had to enjoy one last summer day at the zoo. I usually limit the boys to one "extra" per zoo trip...train or fountains or feeding the fish. And, except for one special time when we fed the giraffes, I stay away from the very pricey extras. But, the end of summer called for an extra special zoo trip. Pops tagged along and was a huge help with the boys.

Fawn was determined to ride the camels. He was brave and had a huge smile on his face the entire time.

Then it was time for giraffe feeding. It really is a cool experience -- the giraffes are so close and watching them eat is fascinating.

Of course we did lots of animal viewing, with the new bears and the alligator being big hits. Then we ate a picnic in the children's area and Small Fry got cooled off in the fountains. Awesome day at the zoo and a fun way to end the summer.

Small Fry's First Day of 2K.

Small Fry started school at IPC. He's in the 2's with Miss Betsy and Miss Genia. I am, of course, so excited he is with my mom. And, I just think the program is fantastic -- I am thrilled that he will have such an awesome preschool education for the next three years.

Although he likes to bring the drama and put up a fight about going to school, I could tell he was ready for his special day and ready to be back with kids his own age. It was a long week and a half missing his Bubby and having no play dates of his own.

He walked right in like he owned the place and sat down with a fun Melissa & Doug closures puzzle. He didn't look back -- no hug or kiss goodbye for this mama (which also meant no tears!). Mimi did get a big hug and an ear to ear smile when we arrived, though. He is all of a sudden seeming so ready to learn. He's picked up his colors, seems to understand counting, and is talking up a storm. And, though he likes to pretend he doesn't know the words to books he sure does tell me if I get them wrong.

When he got in the car, he told me school was bad. Stinker! But he was in the best mood, was talking about God's great big world, and was so proud of his "I had a great first day" sticker. So all evidence suggests it was a pretty great day after all.

We love our sweet, spunky boy and can't wait to see him grow!

They are really starting to look alike to me.

Miss Betsy

After school snuggles.

Handsome Dinner Dates.

And Just Like That, He's Off.

Just typing the title to this post, I got all choked up and teary-eyed. My baby boy started kindergarten last Wednesday, August 13. Five days later, when I really think about it and all this change means for us (and really me) I can hardly handle the emotions.

Wow. Can the last five and a half years at home with him really be over? Over? Can the baby I nursed, cuddled, loved, changed diapers, fed, rocked be off? To kindergarten? To the road to independence....to not needing me? He is. Tomorrow morning will come, and I have to take him back. Again and again.

A chapter closed, a chapter opening. An end, and a beginning. They say the best is yet to come. I try hard to believe it. But the past five and a half years, getting to be a mommy -- the best job in the world and the only job I've ever wanted -- have been amazing. Out of this world. I would do every single day over again if given the opportunity; even the puke-covered, temper tantrum tainted, utterly exhausting ones. To be a mommy to a little one, for just one day. That's a gift.

It's gut wrenching to let them go. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Like rip your heart out. I haven't been able to eat while he's been at school. Because as much as I know he's having fun and learning what he needs to know, he's not where my heart needs him. I'm just having to readjust to life without my buddy right by my side. And, it's hard.

But Fawn? Fawn's great. Fawn's happy, Fawn's thriving. Fawn starts each day and ends each day with a smile on his face. Fawn's loving his teacher, making new friends, and getting into a routine. I pray that this year, this fun-filled, kindergarten year is the spark that makes him love school and love to learn. Because school is awesome -- and BWF is a dream.

And I know God's got this -- he's got my boy. My boy, not my baby, at the exact right age he's supposed to be right now. Becoming independent and learning to be a man. And, he's got me. My tears and emotions, my fears and longing for days now gone. Learning to be a mom to a big kid, no longer the mommy to a baby.

Fawn, when you read this when you are older I don't want you to feel bad that I was so sad. I want you to know how much I adore you. I want you to know how thankful I am for every second I got to spend with you as you grew up. I want you to know how proud of you I am. And, I want you to know that my heart was forever changed by getting to be your mommy, by learning to care for and selflessly love you. I am better -- much better -- because of you.

I know there is joy in the new chapter -- I saw it this weekend as we spent a family weekend at the farm. I saw it tonight as I read Fawn Charlotte's Web out loud. I know it's there. And, I know one day I will look back and chuckle over my emotions. God has wonderful things in store for us -- I trust in that and cling to the joy that certainly is to come.

First Day of Kindergarten Pictures.

Fawn was all smiles before the start of this big day. We started the day with chocolate croissants -- his favorite breakfast. And somehow I convinced him to wear a collared shirt, which he things are reserved for church. We made a deal that I can pick one day a month for him to wear a collared shirt and the rest of the days it's more casual clothes. That should just about cover me for picture day, Donuts for Dad, and Grandpals Day.

We made drop off a family affair. I shamed Buck into joining us. But I think he was glad he did -- he got to meet Mrs. Davis and see the school. And, I know Fawn was glad he did.

We were early birds -- of course! Do you know Buck? Early everywhere. We got to watch Fawn sign into his classroom for the first time. Big, huge, sprawling letters -- I know by the end of the year we will be watching him write like such a big boy. Then we walked him into his classroom. My mommy instinct made me want to stay and never leave him. Buck disagreed and with Mrs. Davis' urging -- since Fawn seemed fine -- we headed out.

I lost it in the car. It was a hard moment. And the day seemed to last FOREVER. I wanted two o'clock to arrive and my boy to be back with me.

When he jumped in my car and I asked how his day was, he said "It was great Mom." Just what I needed to hear.

Class of 2027.

I cannot take credit for this idea -- I saw it somewhere on the internet (maybe Pinterest, but not sure). But, when I saw it I knew I wanted to do it. I ordered a shirt for Fawn in a size Adult XL with the year of his high school graduating class (2027!). We will take a picture in this shirt the day before school starts every year through his senior year of high school and watch this sweet boy grow.

This almost-kindergartener thought the big shirt was too funny! I also think he was a bit excited about starting big boy school.

BWF Meet the Teacher.

On the afternoon of Small Fry's half birthday, we got an email with Fawn's kindergarten teacher placement...Mrs. Sammye Davis. We have heard wonderful things about Mrs. Davis and were excited. Frankly, we would have been thrilled with any of the BWF Kindergarten teachers. They all have fabulous reputations. What a nice, stress-free feeling to have as we awaited that email. None of Fawn's friends were in our class, though, so we knew there would be many new faces to meet.

On Sunday, the BWF PTO hosted a picnic play date for all BWF students at Overton park. Each kindergarten class was assigned a color to wear so they could identify their new classmates -- Mrs. Davis' class wore blue. The park was a ZOO, though. Absolutely packed with kids and parents. There wasn't much new friend meeting going on in all the craziness. Fawn just hung out with a couple boys he already knew. But, I was excited to see that families participate in the school functions -- they really do seem to love their school.

On Monday morning Fawn and I got ready to meet Mrs. Davis. We dropped Small Fry off with Lulu and headed to BWF. The school was adorned with a red carpet for the new BWF rock stars to walk down as they entered the school. And, sixth grade students were dressed up to welcome the kindergarteners and walk them to their classrooms.

We met Mrs. Davis and got to see Fawn's classroom and his seat. It was sweet and a bit overwhelming. Mrs. Davis read the kids a book -- The Kissing Hand -- and gave them a heart sticker to give to whichever parent would be the most sad when school started. Fawn piped up "Probably my mom." So true dear one. Then the kids lined up and headed on a tour/scavenger hunt of the school and a party in the gym. Fawn didn't even look back. While it's so hard to let him go, I love how brave he is. While the kids were having fun, Mrs. Davis went over the class protocol and let us ask lots of questions (most coming from the newbies like me!). She ended the day by reading a poem that was just the sweetest thing -- about how children are their parents for only a little while and their teachers for only a little while. For these nine months, Fawn is mine and Mrs. Davis' -- and I know he's in great hands.

The parents congregated in the auditorium for a meeting with the administration and the PTO and then it was time to pick up our kids from the gym. Fawn was all smiles when I got him -- happy to see me but also so eager to show me everything he found during the scavenger hunt. I took him by the nurses' office to meet the nurse one-on-one and so we could deal with his migraine health plan. Then we headed back to Mrs. Davis' class so he could say goodbye to her. I was able to snap this cute picture. You can see the excitement on his face -- this smile doesn't lie!

When we got in the car he talked a mile a minute about his day and the fun he had. He reported that it was the "best day ever" and he couldn't wait to go back. What a blessing! Especially for a child who hasn't loved school up to this point.

I offered to take him to lunch and suggested some "fancy" places for a five-year old. His choice? McDonald's, of course. Then we headed to Target to get a couple more things we needed for Kindergarten -- another thermos and lunch box for his snack. We spent the afternoon together building Legos while Small Fry hung out with Lulu. It was a great day with my boy and a great beginning for the school year.

This smile means something -- he doesn't give it away for free. He already loves Mrs. Davis!

Small Fry's Half Birthday.

Someone is two and a half! He was so excited to get in on the half birthday celebration. Buck was out of town for a trial -- and we missed him dearly -- but the festivities went on as scheduled. Sweet Fawn helped me shop for Small Fry when Small Fry was at Apple. He had fun picking out presents for his brother -- and I loved the opportunity to talk about the joy that comes from giving gifts, not just receiving them. The great thing about Small Fry's age (i.e., cluelessness) was that he had no idea he would wake up and it would be his half birthday. So when Fawn and I surprised him with gifts when he woke up it was just so cute. He was so excited!

Don't mind Mr. Serious.

He could barely contain his grin.

He asked Fawn to help open Fawn's present -- a Rescue Bots Bumblebee that transforms into a dinosaur. Super cool!

Then it was time for the Mommy and Daddy present.

Cranky the Crane, which Fawn insisted I purchase for his little brother. Fawn was right, Small Fry loves it!

For his game, Small Fry got Cooties, which the three of us played right away. The boys had fun, and I think it was the first game Small Fry has officially completed! Growing up!

Then we asked Small Fry where he wanted to go for breakfast and he chose Magic Muffins. After our yummy breakfast we had to pause the fun for some family hygiene at the pediatric dentist. Boy do we love Dr. Flynt. He has always been great with the boys -- Fawn adores him. Small Fry has always put up quite the fuss in the past, but maybe he was feeling extra grown up because he was a rock star. No fussing and no tears. What a welcome change (and hoping the cooperation continues at the doctor and hairdresser!). 

Since we were in Vestavia already, I asked the boys if they wanted to go to McCallum Park and play. They jumped at the chance. While there they got the dirtiest I have ever seen them. The ground was very dusty and dry and they proceeded to have a dust fight. Covered. With. Dust. They were disgusting. And, there was no way I was letting them into my car. Thank goodness there is a stream there. I instructed Fawn to take off his shirt and shoes and get clean in the stream. And, Small Fry went in wearing only his diaper. I usually pride myself on being prepared, but found myself without so much as one beach towel in my car. So the boys drip dried before we headed home. 

We spent the rest of the morning swimming and eating a picnic lunch at Mema and Abou's with Mimi. After Fawn's nap, we played at home and Aunt C came to visit. Fawn and I made Small Fry a cookie cake and after dinner we sang to our precious baby. We kept asking him how old he was and his response was always "Two!", quickly followed by Fawn chiming in "and a half!" 

I LOVE Small Fry watching Fawn sing Happy Birthday to him. Just melts my heart how much they adore each other.

Birthday boy!

Small Fry asked Fawn to help him blow out the candles.

Happy, happy, happy guy!

We are so in love with this little one who is growing oh so quickly. He captivates everyone who meets him with his preciousness and full of life personality. We couldn't be more proud to call him ours. Happy Birthday J-Diddy, we love you!