First Day of Preschool!

What a big day for our very big boy!!  Today was Nicholas' first day of preschool at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. We've been waiting for this day for what seems like ages and I'm so relieved that those first few moments are finally behind us.  He woke up this morning in the best mood and seemed pretty excited when we told him he got to go to school today.  He looked absolutely precious wearing his backpack and holding Daddy's hand as they walked in the church door.  We arrived at his classroom where several other families were dropping their kids off too and Nicholas ran right in that door and started playing with all the toys.  Whew - BIG sigh of relief.  I have to admit that Greg and I were pretty proud as we watched our independent little boy entertaining himself while several of the other children were crying and desperately clinging to their parents.  I felt so bad for those poor little angels but I bet they recovered in no time.  However, we started to worry at around the 10-15 minute mark that we had stayed just a little too long because I could sense that Nicholas was getting a little nervous.  So, we took that as our cue to head out and leave him to it.  We gave him big hugs & kisses, told him we'd see him later, and reluctantly headed for the door while trying not to linger.  I'm not going to lie - I felt a huge rock in my stomach as I turned the corner, but I knew I couldn't go back, not even for a quick peek.  I managed to keep it together until we were hidden safely in the car and driving out of the parking lot.  Then the tears came, those silly mommy tears.  You know, the ones that are completely sentimental and ridiculous.  My rational mind readily accepts that he will do great, that he'll have so much fun, and he'll make lots of friends, but that mommy heart of mine takes over every once in awhile and turns me into a blubbering fool.  But that's just a part of this fantastic blessing that I've been given and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.  Some moments in life require you to let down those walls of common sense and composure before you can truly enjoy them.  This was one of those moments. 

Getting ready to leave the house.  The excitement is building!

This was right as he walked in his classroom.
His look is saying "Why are you still here?"

This is the classroom door that leads to the playground.
 I'm pretty sure he's still standing there.

Check back again later for an addendum on how the day ended.  Fingers crossed!