The day we moved into this house was the day before Middlest started primary school. His tiny uniform shoved in a plastic bag and lost within the chaos. We got the keys at 5pm. I was stressed, I panicked. I’d wanted him settled and calm for his big day.
I cried that first morning. I watched him go into school. I knew his older brother would look out for him. His older brother did.
Today Middlest is wearing a high school uniform. He looks smart, the sleeves of his blazer are too long. Today he’s starting a new adventure. He’ll make his own mark, his own successes, his own mistakes. He’s going to a different school to his brother. Today I want a machine that will slow time, just a little bit more.
Today Middlest starts high school. I feel very grown up.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ll confess to having a lump in my throat watching my girls go off, and they’re in year 11. It was just the thought that this is the last year I legally have to send them. I know they’ll be staying on, but it won’t be the same
I understand. So many of my friends are just starting off, having babies and stepping onto the adventure. I know there are loads of advantages to having babies in my early 20s, but today I am craving a teeny tiny bundle needing me. Change and new starts… it’s all passing so quickly x
And before you know it you’ll be where I am. I picked my ‘boy’ up from school today so that I could sign a permission letter for him. While we were waiting I told him he needed to shave! And he’s in his last year of school.
Where did the time go?
SOB! x
I can remember all those first mornings with our children. Dropping my daughter off hundreds of miles away in St Andrews on her first day at uni is still firmly planted in my memory. Although she was a woman by then it was still my little girl that I watched wave goodbye in the mirror. Now she’s a mum and I’m a granddad and time just won’t stand still.
Oh John, you’ve just made me cry again. We get one shot and sometimes I think I forget to live. Thank you, so much, for this comment x
Just wait until you start doing uni visits…
Gawd…!!! x
oh! I remember those days… and part of me wants them back, the other part of me is looking forward to the coming adventure of my little one being not so little - she finished her A-levels and is working a year before uni… I look at her and think she is fab while also being scared that she is a grown up now! so sending you ~hugs~ today and thank you for reminding me of those days.. I also have a nephew who started seniors today, he’s coming to me when he finishes.. so maybe my school days aren’t quite over yet!
I LOVE the relationship you have with yoru daughter. I watch, it’s everything I’d want with mine. x
Today, after buying my son rugby boots for the first time, we are watching Home Alone. Daughter is at nursery and it is just me and him before he goes back to school tomorrow. I remember blogging about his first day. And now he is starting year four!
We have no school change this year but changes are coming up (next year or year after) and we are starting to prepare. I’m looking forward yet it makes my stomach flip when I think about it.
I hope your middlest has an ace day today. I’m now off to play a lego game. x
Don’t even begin to talk about changes with your son or my daughter - they’re the same age and I SO can’t cope with my baby being that old
Much love, rugby boot buying is a biggie! I can’t believe Eldest is a size 9 already x
Bet he had a better time than you did. Partly because you know stuff that he hasn’t even thought of and partly because this lack of knowledge makes new experiences an adventure. Its just as shame that as we get older, our experiences get in the way of our adventures. You and I both know that he will shine - and then you will be crying for a different reason! Blubbing is an essential part of the whole mother/child thing, believe me, I know! Chin up C. X
I was thinking about you this morning, wishing you were there to protect him. He loved it, he’s in amazing sets for everything and feeling very proud of himself. Your comment made me cry, because you know him and me and everything in the world! I hope all is good with you and that your new adventure is magical (I mean in relation to mother/child things fast-approaching
). Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming here today and leaving this coment. It means everything xxx
Virtual hug on this special day.
Anna May x
Thank you, lovely lady x
Enjoy every moment dear Caroline.
hugs x
Gosh. Millie is nearly three and I said to someone today, that I wished she could stay this cute
age for a lot longer! And then I read your blog. Definitely right to make the most of each day!
Cheers Caroline x
Nearly 3 already? It absolutely flies. Hold her close and give her a squeeze from me x
I had a panic when Biggish reached my shoulder and Littlebig was due to start school — my panic means I now have Tinywee as well and OMG does time fly with Number three… I think the more you have, the faster it goes. And yes, I said on another blog recently, it’s an abomination that we don’t come into the world with a pause button.
A pause button would be wonderful! And yes, I’m thinking a Tinywee might be the solution
x
“Although she was a woman by then it was still my little girl that I watched wave goodbye in the mirror.” John Brassey. Last month my youngest daughter got married. My sister stitched us a cross-stitch picture of a bride and her father, glancing in a mirror as they get ready to set off - the reflection, of course, shows a little girl.
Oh Angi, you’ve started me off with tears again!
I always maintained that it’s us parents that have to do as much growing up as the kids. And it’s not weaning kids of dependency on us - it’s the other way round! Blessings!
WISE words, very wise!
Very moving article - really struck a chord.