The beginning of a new school year always comes with little reminders that our babies are growing up. It’s a moment to reflect on how quickly they grow and dive into the excitement of a fresh new year. Of course, those first days are always bittersweet as they move up to a new grade, but so far, it’s been manageable. Pre-K then Kinder, I could handle those. Fun first years of school filled with play and cute little graduations. But this year, I feel like it’s getting really real. First grade! Can you believe it? How fast our babies grow.
Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were still shopping in the toddler section for them? Now as I shop for back-to-school clothes, I find myself slowly walking past that section in Target . . . you know the one—filled with all those cute clothes that range from 12 months all the way to 5T. How do our babies not fit in those clothes anymore?
Where do I go now? I feel lost as I look for the big kid section. I find it. But wait, where are the character shirts? I don’t see durable knee pants. Why do some of these sizes look like they could fit me? Then I remember, my daughter doesn’t like princess shirts anymore, she hardly trips over her feet now, and she grows closer to my shoulder every day. I scan the school supply list next and gasp at the number of folders and notebooks, real scissors instead of the blunt tip ones, regular pencils instead of the thick ones, and no Play-Doh! What?
It hits me right then and there that first grade is a big leap in so many ways. It’s big kid clothes and not fitting into character shoes any longer. It’s picking the cool backpack and the plain water bottle. It’s small chapter books and real homework. It’s the start of closing the little kid chapter and getting ready for big kid life. As I realize this, I decide I’m going to hold on. Our babies may not be babies anymore. But I’m going to soak this year in. Because I see it now: First grade is a leap, but right now we’re just at the beginning of it.
As our kids learn and grow this school year, let’s hold onto every giggle and every magic moment they enjoy. May they learn those big things and still enjoy the little things. Play hard at recess and collapse into our arms when they get home. May they mature a little more slowly and bask in the joy of young childhood a little longer. Learn to read bigger words, and use those words to fuel their imagination. May they play, explore, pretend, and enjoy. It’s a big year with big growing up. First grade, we’re ready for you . . . but first we revel in the leap.
by Carolyn Moore 
by Tynea Lewis 
