Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and a sweet baby girl! {giveaway}

"i was the perfect parent before i was a parent." 

i was.

i read this somewhere recently and it totally resonated with me.  

before i was an actual parent with an actual child of my own, i could solve any tantrum or crisis perfect-ly. i could rest easily at any gathering involving babies, kids, teens and think that i had it all figured out. 



i would KNOW what to do in given situations. if i saw a parent scolding or parenting in a way that i felt could have been done in a more efficient or loving manner...i would totally (to myself) play out how i would have done it. 


and it would of been better. not from experience, of course. i was just ignorant. or innocent if you will, in the ways of the parenting world.

i feel differently now, of course. i bow to any good parent just trying his or her best. we are in this together. half the time, i haven't a clue so i just go back to love. just love them and they will be just fine. 

holla. 

so, my baby boy started kindergarten this week. tears. sigh. where has the time gone?

it feels like i just sent my baby girl to kindergarten. please see meltdown here.

like the beginning of any school year, it all started with the perfect backpack and carefully chosen outfit, and an extra special packed lunch. it's like trying to pack that peanut butter and jelly next to a ziploc bag full of confidence, bravery, and love from home. enough love to make them feel secure and happy. 




the night before the first day is a bit weird. it's exciting, scary, and sad all at the same time. 

yes, i know i look exhausted in these. it's because i am. 

 

and i can never say enough...
"i'll be there to pick you up right after school. i can't wait!" 

it's the only thing i can control after i drop my babies off at the school doors. i'll be here for you. don't worry. 

there was some anxiety. a little heartbreak. i miss him terribly but he loves it! he loves his teacher, his friends, and his new life a real 'big boy!'

when i said goodbye to him that first morning. he kissed me and walked away and just when i thought he was too excited to give me more face time, he turned around and turned into my little baby again. he jumped into my arms and said in a small and sweet voice, "i love you, mama. i'll miss you." he cupped my face and smiled longer than usual and he turned back and blew me a kiss. "mama, did you get it?"

"i got it, buddy. it's right here in my pocket. did you get mine?" 

"in my pocket!" he patted his backside and i struggled with the tears and a few fell as he walked away.

then, i cried all morning. i called my mom and she laughed at me and told me to get a grip and then just like that...my normal changed. two kids in school. 

and our girl. well, she's a second grader. we are so proud of her. i just wish for her an amazing year with new friends and a fun teacher. i know this will be a big growing year for her and we know she will be great. we adore your sweet heart, peyton. 


i wasn't able to get the three hundred photos i wanted. having three kids is quite a bit more challenging, but we are getting in our groove, i think!










we are lucky to be in a school with so many friends that love our kids.



*my computer keeps freezing up, so i have to stop here and take it in but not before i post the winnerS of the nest necklaces that you can find here.

melody's nest egg necklaces are beautiful and such a convo piece. when she sent me mine, i wore it for months while i was pregnant. even in the delivery room. it was a way to have peyton and becks with me even when they couldn't be.
 


yes, i'm huge and i would do anything to be that huge again;)


because i took so long to choose a winner, i am giving away TWO necklaces today instead of one as well as another Nest Egg Giveaway which i will choose on next post. Please leave a comment to enter. 


for now, the winners were (generated by random.org)

Eva Marie

and 

Vicki

Congrats!!  ladies, please send me your email addresses!

happy weekend and happy school year. 

look who's 24 weeks!