Life's About To Change

For the last 4 years and 3 months I have been a stay-at-home mom with a stay-at-home kid.  And for 22 months it's been two stay-at-home kids.  The reality is that the world as I know it is about to change and I'm still not sure how I feel about it.  Next Tuesday I'll drive Kai to the local elementary school, walk him into his classroom and say goodbye.  The funny part is that he isn't even starting Kindergarten, just Pre-K, but it sure does feel more like Kindergarten.  His Pre-K class meets for 2 and half hours a day, four days a week.  Just a half an hour a day (and one day) shy of Kindergarten.  I feel cheated out of the "preschool" experience but, when looking at all of our options, this program made the most sense for our family at this time.  I just hope that I continue to feel that way throughout the year.

Kai has had his ups-and-downs with the idea of preschool.  He is more than ready for it, but I do know that he is a bit nervous and has made many comments about wanting me to stay with him.  He has always been super-affectionate and lovey, but even more so lately.  Although, who's going to really complain about comments such as "You're my favorite mom ever!" and "Mom, I love you" or the random "Hug!" requests.  Seriously, this boy is going to be one sweet husband one day.  He is normally the first one to comment on my outfits and he has told me that he likes Sundays when I wear dresses and am pretty.  He tells me which shirts are his favorites and will even help me get dressed if I let him.  (I don't really do that though!)  Anyway, I digressed, but my point was that I think he might initially have a hard time letting go.  But I do know that he is going to love it and I don't think it'll take too long (crossing my fingers).  As a mom, my worry is more about getting replaced.  Why can't I always be the "best mom ever" or Kai's "best friend".  Seriously, I'd love it!  But I guess these boys have to grow up, I'm just not sure I'm ready for it.

Today I took Kai out for a little one-on-one time.  I had been wanting to take him to Mr. Bigg's for awhile and just had never gotten around to it.  Today was the day.  I was surprised by how completely empty it was this afternoon and at first was concerned that it wouldn't be much fun without some other kids around.  Instead it provided some great quality one-on-one time for us.  I got to help him pretend to fix a car, feed a pet, put out a fire, and more.  We started out slow, but by the time we got settled in I had a hard time dragging him a way.  The highlight of the day for me was seeing him finally jump in a bounce house and enjoy it.  When I saw the bounce house I knew that I had to find a way to get him in there.  So after several bribes, lots of building it up, and 45 minutes, I finally got him in.  I held his hand at first as he jumped and then slowly he was ready to jump on his own.  He discovered the fun of a bounce house!

Holding up a piece of the car

Fixing the car

Buying a puppy--He's been asking for one a lot lately.  Yikes!

Checking out the babies at the "hospital"

Legos!

The sand ROOM

A bounce house IS Fun!

Launching the air cannon on the boat

On our way out we saw this easel in the library.  Kai couldn't pass it up!  Maybe we need to tell Santa....

I'm so proud of Kai and the kid that he is becoming.  I'm looking forward to seeing him blossom over this next year and hopefully come out of his shell a bit.  I love being his mom and hope that, even with all of the excitement of new friends and new adventures, he will still be happy to come home and share all of those with us.  We sure do love you, Kai, and we're so glad that you're a part of our family.