The last of the firsts

On August 9th, our teeny PK 5.0 will walk through the gates of his new childcare. Although not technically a pandemic baby, this is a child who has never been in the care of others. Yes, we had a nanny this entire last school year, but he and PK 4.0 were still in our home, under our supervision. He's the child I have spent the most time with before them going to school daily. I'm that mom that happily (sometimes with a heavy heart) got up and went to work because it is who I am and also fills my cup. The curate was the natural stay-at-home parent; this worked well for us. When seminary came, we needed help, and we were so fortunate to have that; Lucy's lessons are life lessons. The kids were a little older. And three of them were together with our dear friend that first year. I felt totally safe. Then the youngest two went to St. George's school, and it was so good, for them, for us. They were loved and nurtured. Miss Jeanne, Miss Carmel, Miss Melissa, Miss Gail, and Miss Hillary, you loved my babies, and I'm so thankful. Stephanie, you loved on sweet 4.0 and 5.0 for a year; I can't tell you how much my mama heart needed just a little more time. But now, it's time for him to be socialized with other kids and adults. He's a sweet and adventurous soul who is ready. I will cry after giving him a hug, and I will be sitting in the parking lot early on the first day of pick-up because those after-school hugs hit differently. He is still a baby, still our sweet little dude who made a dramatic entrance into this world. I know he will learn and play and form strong bonds with his caregivers. And I know it will make him a better person. And mama gets to work again. Mama gets to sit in an office that isn't in her bedroom and do the things that make her brain feel alive. I am so fortunate to have the ability to pay for quality, safe, and enriching care for our child. I know this will become routine. But for this next week, I'm gonna be a hot mess, so if you see me, just know I'm working my way through it. The last of the firsts...