My days look a little bit different now that you’re in kindergarten all day.
The house feels quieter. A little more still. I check the clock more often, counting the hours until you come home and I can have my hug and learn all about your big day at school.
Your little brother and sister go on a walk with me each morning in the wagon. We have started to explore trails near our house in the beautiful weather. It’s our new rhythm and we love it, but we miss you. I know if you were with us, you’d be talking about the leaves changing colors in your excited voice, picking me “flowers” that may really be weeds, asking me endless questions about everything you see, and at some point, inevitably bugging your brother.
The afternoons are what feel the longest, though. The little ones eat, then take their naps, and I miss my lunch buddy. I have no one to play games with, do crafts with, or read “Dragon Master” chapter books to on the couch. Instead, I prep dinner, do a workout, fold some laundry, finally have the alone time I used to crave—all while I wonder what you’re doing now. How is recess? What friends are you playing with? What new things are you learning about today? How are you feeling now that you’ve been at school for more than half of the day? I eagerly wait for the bus at 3:30 with a snack in hand, ready to greet you and hear all about your day at school.
My days sure look different now—still busy with my two other children because we know two under two is not for the weak, but part of my heart is with you at school.
Since you started kindergarten, I’ve learned all about the process of letting go in a very short time. Letting you go on that first day of school as you climbed the stairs of the bus. Letting you go as you meet new friends and seek out new adventures. Letting you go as you take your packed lunch to school and eat in the cafeteria with your new friends. Letting you go as you spend more time away from me than you ever have since I decided to stay home with you almost two years ago. Letting you go as you grow up just a little more each day.
With every passing day, I am so proud of my big kindergartener, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I miss you and the way our days used to be. My days look a little different now that you’re in kindergarten.
by Jamie Duhn 
by Michelle Tate 
by Her View From Home 
