His First Day

Nate was being an extreme goofball as I was attempting to get some pictures of him this morning!

 Finally, a good picture.  :)  

 

 After taking his picture, we headed to school.  I could tell that he was a little bit nervous, but that didn't stop him from walking right into school and into his classroom like a big boy. 

He had a really good day and we're so proud of him.  He didn't nap, but I knew that was going to be the hardest part for him.  He's not used to sleeping in a room with other people and it will take him some time to get used to it. Hopefully, he'll be so worn out at nap time tomorrow that he'll fall asleep quickly and easily.

As for me, I had a great day.  I got a lot of stuff done and I loved being able to be close to Nate, but at the same time, be able to stand back and let him do his own thing.  I'm looking forward to this school year and this new adventure for us. 

Your Big Day

Dear Sweet Big Boy,

Today is going to be a big day for you. In about 8 hours, you and I are going to get into the car and drive to school for your first day of preschool.  Your little backpack is ready and your clothes are sitting on your dresser waiting for you when you wake up.  It's hard to believe that the time has come. 

I'll be honest with you and tell you that my heart is a little sad.  I know that you are ready for school, there's not a doubt in my mind, but tonight, when I went in to check on you, all I could think about was that first night I spent with you in the hospital.

I remember holding you and watching you sleep, kissing your nose and telling you how much I already loved you.  You were so handsome and perfect and so very little.  You needed me and to be quite honest, I needed you.  You are our son, the child that God chose just for us.  You have made us both so happy. 

We've watched you grow and rejoiced with you over the milestones you've accomplished.  We've cheered you on as you started to crawl and when you took your first steps.  We have smiled and laughed as we've watched you go from a little tiny 7 pound baby to a crazy and wild 2 1/2 year old.  Now, the time has come for us to cheer you on again as you tackle your next big milestone, your first day of school. 

Even though you'll be right down the hall from me, I'm going to miss you being my little shadow.  I'm going to miss spending my days with you, miss seeing your smile, and I'll even miss you asking me to play cars with you, something you ask us about 100 times each day. 

I hope that you have fun in your new class, that you make new friends, and please, please, please listen and obey your teacher.  I know that this new routine is going to take some time to get used to, especially when you realize that you'll be taking a nap with your new classmates, but I know that before long, you'll be singing new songs that you've learned and telling me about all the things that you've done in your new classroom.

I guess my heart hurts, too, because I know that someday, you'll grow up like your weekend brother Perry and you'll not only be heading off to preschool, but to college.  Your first day of school tomorrow is just another reminder that they day is coming.   Just remember that no matter what, you'll always be my little baby.  I love you, Nathan Gregory.  Have a great first day of school.  Your daddy and I are so proud of the little boy that you've become.

 

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living,
My baby, you'll be. 


Love,
Mommy

Lesson Plans and Name Tags

Another big change that is going to be happening for the VBK house has to do with my job. 

Prior to our move to Virginia, I taught elementary school for eight years and worked as a part time nanny while we lived in Florida.  When we moved to Virginia in 2011, God provided me the awesome opportunity to be a full time nanny to June and Baylee and be a full time Mommy to Nate.  It was a wonderful experience and am so thankful that I got to spend that time with Nate and the girls. 

While I looked into being a nanny again for this coming school year, things just didn't work out.   While I would have loved being a nanny again, God has yet again provided an awesome opportunity and I will be returning to the classroom in September. Instead of teaching elementary school, I will be teaching Pre-K4!  As of right now, I have 11 students.  I'm so excited about returning to teaching and since this school is an actual preschool instead of a daycare, I will be teaching them how to read. 

The only down side is that my mind is filled with lesson plans, name tags, center ideas, and all of the things that come with teaching.  When it's time for bed, I can't sleep because my mind is constantly thinking about all that has to be done and accomplished before the first day with my students on September 4.  Even with the lack of sleep, I am thrilled to have this new job!!!