September

September always brings with it promise of new beginnings. 

I've loved it for as long as I can remember. 

A new season that's dedicated to bringing families together. 

Delivering every time with its lovely, deep colors, cool, crisp air and all 

the festivities wrapped in the coming months of celebration.

This morning as I woke up and prepared to wake my babies for the big day ahead of them, 

I took a moment and watched them while they slept. I love how Kate still 

makes that little sucking motion with her mouth when she sleeps that she has 

since she was born. It's always like a pang of hurt/love/sweetness sprinkled with a 

little sadness when I see a fleeting moment of babyhood in them. 

Those moments are getting less and less frequent but more and 

more appreciated as the time passes.

Her perfectly puckered little mouth with her eyelashes and her creamy skin...
I almost didn't want to wake her. Then maybe time could stand still for just a bit longer.

 

I hear parents describe this time in their lives as bittersweet all the time. 

It really is though. The prospect of only having Ella at home all 

week is exhilarating and disheartening all at the same time. 

Entering this next phase of our lives will take much courage, patience, love and encouragement.

Breakfast went smoothly and we actually made it to school on time
and without tears or exasperation. It was a great first day experience.
Looking back on last year's first day photos compared to this years is fun...
 You can tell that Kate gained some confidence and some sass... I love her outlook.

Walking into a school where they are familiar with the kids and teachers
is such a comfort. They are less afraid because these are people they've been
in classes with before. It's like a second home.

As we entered the gates, Ella still in her pajamas, of course, the girls
each took one of their daddy's hands. Kate put on her brave face.

But as we walked farther in, Kate let go of her daddy's hand and quietly came to take mine.
She needed a little bit of courage. We both did.
Without saying a word, we gave each other our courage.
I silently prayed that she would love school like I did. I prayed
that she would make friends easily and be a good friend in return.
I prayed for her to love learning. I prayed that she wouldn't miss us too much.
And I prayed that after school, when she saw me waiting at the
school gates for her, she would run to me with excitement and hold my neck
before telling me about her wonderful day...

Charlie, he's got this thing down. He walked in there and he didn't look back.
His plan is to not be a class clown. To quote him, "I'm done with that clown stuff."
This mama was so proud to hear those words.

Kate and her Kinder teacher Miss G

Ella still calls herself a baby when it suits her fancy.
She decided she was still a baby and couldn't go to school.