It begins

I don't believe in trophies for everyone, but I did buy a nice, encouraging card to start off Alex's school career. I put it next to the donuts I woke up at 5:15 A.M. to go buy...she gave me a free donut...take that kid, I still got it!

He read it out loud: "You can't do it!"

I said, "Son? Why would we buy you a card that said you couldn't do it?"
Worst motivational card, ever.

We took some pictures, loaded up the car and headed out!
Here goes the next decade and a half!

this is how i imagine elementary school teachers...that's a tough group of people!

Dear son,
I never thought I would be the type of Mom to cry when her kid started school (I am a teacher, after all and you've been to childcare for years).  Yet when I dropped you off this morning, I was fighting down the huge lump in my throat as I watched you quietly walk in to observe your new environment. I wish I could stay all day and protect you and keep you from being scared or sad.
I know I don't need to, of course, because you're more than ready and I am going to have to continue to take a more supportive role instead of "let me do this for you" role.
I'm so proud of you for being brave and I cannot wait to learn what you'll teach me over the course of this year.

Even though I mourn the end of your carefree childhood years, I am excited for what our future holds and to see what kind of person you're going to become.

Thinking about you all the time,
Mom