With both kids at school, a new chapter begins

I’m not typically a crier when it comes to the bittersweet moments of motherhood. I have a tendency to focus more on the sweet rather than the bitter.

I was sad when my babies stopped nursing, but I was more excited to start our culinary journey of solid foods.  It was a big adjustment when my toddlers gave up naps, but with less pressure to be home at nap time, there was more time for adventures to the park and zoo. I also didn’t cry when my daughter started preschool because I was looking forward to having some one-on-one time with my son.

But this week, after being home full-time with both children, I turned a corner.  My daughter will be in first grade, and my son with be in nursery school.  For the first time, in six whole years, I will have two full hours of freedom while both children are in school.

And it feels amazing!

The days are long and intense with little ones, and I have been there for every single milestone.  I have been there for every sniffle and surgery. I have read, colored, and played with Play-Doh.  We have talked about manners, feelings, and strangers. I am excited for them to go to school and experience life.  I look forward to talking to them about their day and what they have learned.

But before you wonder how I can be so well-adjusted about my kids leaving for hours at a time, I had major anxiety when my daughter started kindergarten last year.  I also have not sold or given away any of their clothes.  My basement shelves suggest that I may be a hoarder of baby clothes.

I am not 100 percent happy about them leaving for school and mixing with kids I don’t really know.  I also miss them.  It’s not called bittersweet for nothing, right?

However, after being home fulltime for six years, I am looking forward to what is around the corner and easing our way into this new non-baby stage.

How do you feel about your kids going back to school?