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One incredible journey...

Today, my oldest son graduated from junior kindergarten.

We've come a long way, baby.

In September, I took my son to his new school to meet his very first teacher. He refused to even walk in the doors. He pretty much had a tantrum when it was time to meet his teacher. He was not looking forward to starting school.

Then, the first day of school came. He woke up, bright and early, put on his brave face, and smiled for me as I took his picture.

"Smile, baby! It's your very first day of school!"

At school, he quietly lined up beside all the other nervous children, unsure of what to do. Then when it was time to go inside, he held his teacher's hand, and never once looked back at me.

Which is a good thing, considering I was a sobbing mess - tears were flowing down my face and I couldn't stop crying. I could not control my emotions that day - my oldest son, starting school. It was almost suffocating, having to get in my car and drive away, without him. But I did. And survived.

What an incredible journey it has been! My once shy guy is now a social butterfly, having made some terrific friends this year, laughing, dancing, participating, engaged in his learning environment, able to write his name effortlessly, awarded the 'star of the month' twice this year, and forever bonded with his amazing teacher.

Yesterday, he came home with a giant scrapbook filled with memories and the wonderful crafts and work he completed this year. Of course, I'll cherish this book forever.

I was a helper in the classroom once again this morning, and I was so glad I was there to share the joy with the all of my son's friends.
Today, as the school year came to an end, another important picture was snapped.
"Smile, baby! It's your last day of school!"

And what a wonderful 10 months it has been!
Until September... when the journey continues.

Comments

Wow! Time flies huh? I am so glad you got to be there with him. He is getting so big. I just can;t believe how fast they grow up. Excuse me while I bawl.
Unknown said…
OMG, I think I will die when my daughters go to school. I am excited and frantically nervous that I am no longer a mommy to babies when that time comes. But I love that book idea. It sounds like he did awesome in school, you should be so proud!
IASoupMama said…
Aww! My son just finished his 4-year-old preschool and will be starting kindergarten next fall. Although, he was completely under the impression that he was starting on his fifth birthday (tomorrow) and was a tad disappointed when I told him he had to wait until August because his teacher doesn't work at the school over the summer. He was nervous to start, too, but confident and happy by the end of the year.

Good job, mama!
bkmonet said…
Oh my goodness my heart jumped up into my throat just reading this. I'm so glad your son had such an awesome year of school! My son is 9 months old and I can't even fathom him starting school. Yet, I'm realizing how fast time flies and before I know it I'll be the sobbing mom watching my baby walk into school on his first day! **not ready yet** :D
Lady Mama said…
Wow, his first year is over already! It must be so hard to see them off on their first day at school, but so rewarding to see them finish the year. I love that scrapbook - what a great way to remember the year. You must be so proud mama!
T Rex Mom said…
It does look like he has come a long way - love the photo at the end. It will be fun to read about his experiences in kindergarten come this fall.
Scary Mommy said…
Awwwwww!! I remember how nervous you were-- has it really been a year?! Too sweet!
Anonymous said…
This is sooo adorable...my daughter moves up to her 3 year old class in september :0)
Loukia said…
Thanks so much you guys! xo
Suzanne said…
WAAAHHHH!!! So bittersweet, eh? Love the post! xo
Cameron said…
Aw I love this!! I really want to be a Kindergarten teacher! I've wanted to for most of my life! I really want to be that first teacher for a child who can help them come out of their shell & just embrace learning & make it fun!! I love seeing that your son really enjoyed Kindergarten & it really helped him open up! I know you're so proud!!!
Lesley said…
Wow...the year has gone by so fast! Congrats to the little Graduate.....It's so cool to see how they blossom and grow.....and he is too darn cute!
He's a total kouklaki. Niko misses him and keeps asking when he'll seen his new friend again.
Liz @ ewmcguire said…
Sobbing mess...I can so relate! Congrats on surviving the first day and the first year!
I think I'll be a sobbing mess, too!

You would never think he was shy on his first day, until you see his last day! He's really grown up, hasn't he?

And, what a great idea that scrapbook is.
CaraBee said…
These milestones are so bittersweet. It is amazing to watch how they change. I'll bet he's really looking forward to kindergarten!
K.Thornton said…
Oh Loukia, what a beautiful post! I will admit, I was a little misty eyed.

Thank you, for sharing these precious moments - they warm the heart :)
Jessica said…
Congratulations to mama AND Christos! I remember when you were both apprehensive about starting pre-K, but you both did beautifully. WHat a charmer, he is!

THis made me cry, by the way :) Getting myself ready for the next phase for my J.

xo