For our first day of school breakfast, I used our usual set up of decorative apples filled with cereal, first day paper flags, and name labels. New this year was my back to school ribbons and keeping out our American flags from the summer. We also happened to pick up these beautiful flowers at a little flower cart in our neighborhood. The mix of colors and patterns were such a delight. It made for an extra special and meaningful morning with my sweet kids. Definitely one for the books as I sent off all three for the first time.
plates | bowls | runner | napkins | wood cake stand
For dessert that night we always have a "smart cookie" cake. I made one girl and one boy this time.
My two oldest started school first and then a few days later my kindergartener started. It made for a long and emotional week with a staggered start. But it was also nice to get through one milestone at a time. So we got to do all our back to school celebrations twice! Breakfast #2...
Sending off my third was incredibly emotional. This was my day before sentimental ramblings I shared on Instagram:
Last day before kindergarten for kiddo #3 // How am I here? I don’t even know. Just the other day he was still the baby (and even the actual baby is appearing quite grown up here). The first time in eight years that I will only have one child at home with me. It feels like an identity crisis. I know he is going to have the best time. But me? Not quite ready for another step of letting them go in this mothering process. Did I give him enough? Cherish it enough? I know we have many many more memories together. But these years of giving - day in and day out. Never getting a break. They were exhausting but they were also my whole heart. I finally learned to savor it - just in time to learn to have to let it go.
My strong willed third. He changed me. A turning point for me was when I threw my phone across the room while I was nursing him as a baby. Because distracted parenting wasn’t working for me anymore. He taught me how to let go of it all. So I could be the present mom I always dreamed of being.
I cried as I watched him walk into class with his teacher - the most I have cried for all our first days of school. So many feelings. But also so proud of my sweet boy. He is having the best time and was so ready.
The boys got new backpacks this year and I added monograms. They turned out so fun.
Once the kids were off to school (and I was done crying!), I tidied up at home. I set up the table for dinner and swapped Trader Joe alphabet cookies for the cereal.
So adorable! Why had I not thought of this before?
Here are my happy kids - all three going off together for the first time. If I can't be there with them, at least they have each other. Oh my heart!
And my older two on their first day - 4th grade and 2nd grade. I can't believe it.
It has been so sweet to hear that my daughter has been helping her little brother out on the bus and at school. To hear that they sometimes play together at recess. Or got to sit together at lunch. I hope that this time together at school only makes their bond stronger.
It is hard to see them grow up but my heart also bursts with pride as I see them growing into their own ways. Building their own relationships and taking initiative on their own. I think it will be a great year for them all.
// Shop my back to school supplies here:
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