Many parents will be celebrating a new parental milestone this September…all of their children will be in school simultatenously.  You did it!  You survived the pregnancy, the delivery, the white knuckle drive home from the hospital, and that terrifying first night home.  You mastered public restroom diaper changing, breast feeding the baby while preparing your toddler’s lunch, and getting out of Target without a meltdown (both yours and theirs).  The baby and toddler years are absolutely exhausting but insanely rewarding.  The gummy smiles, bear hugs, sloppy kisses, and belly laughs make all of that exhaustion worth it.  It is a bittersweet moment when you send them off to school.  For those stay at home/work from home parents, you will finally be able to get something accomplished during the day and have a complete thought.  For you working parents, you finally get some relief from that crippling daycare bill.  However, it does mean that they are growing up and that their childhood will start to go by even faster.  Either way, hats off to the moms and dads that made it this far, it truly is a remarkable milestone.

For the first time in almost 9 years, I will have two children in grade school…fourth grade and kindergarten.  I look forward to having dedicated daytime working hours for my business and being able to give my children undivided attention when they get home from school.  Not working until 3 am and spending time with my husband at night will be wonderful change.  Just let me wipe a few tears from my eyes as I transition into this new world.  Here are a few pictures from “our” first day of school this year.  I hope you survived the rollercoaster of emotions that this week may have brought about.

My son’s first day of 4th grade…his biggest fan by his side.

For the past 5 years, my daughter has walked her brother to his bus stop and reluctantly said goodbye and eagerly awaited his return.  This week she proudly donned a backpack and trekked her way to THEIR bus stop as she started kindergarten.

The day ended well…my daughter’s para professional brought her to the car line with an enthusiastic “She had a great first day!”.  Phew…sniff.

Just for fun: Back when my littles were even littler…and toothless.

How did the back to school process go for your family?  Have any fun traditions you would like to share?