Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:24 am
Today is a big day for the LTM household, B had his very first day of school. I didn’t know how he would deal with it once he got up to those big gates and had to cross the big courtyard to his classroom alone. I didn’t know how I was going to respond watching my first born walk in to someone else’s control and care. I also didn’t know how MM would respond not having her brother around to play, during the day anymore.
As B got dressed in his uniform today, I could feel the lump in my throat forming. He looked so much bigger than he did in his jeans. I kept thinking he is way too young to start school as we start so much later in the USA. But he looked handsome and so ready to go to school with a smile beaming across his face.
I asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up and he said “Lighting McQueen and a Farmer” which really tickled me. MM kept asking me where her uniform was and didn’t really understand why she wasn’t going to school with B too. I watch him put all his belonging into his backpack like a big kid and put it on his back. There is something so grown up about throwing a backpack on your back. I don’t know quite what it is but it got me, teary. The tears came I really couldn’t help it. They were happy tears and sad tears all mixed together. It’s such a big milestone for us all. A time where things have changed forever to school runs and after school activities now.
B is a sensitive loving soul and I wasn’t sure if he was nervous for his first day of school but if he was he didn’t show it at all. We got to the gates of the school and he spotted his teacher whom he has only met once, two months ago before we left for America and without even a goodbye hug he ran to his classroom and never looked back. It had all the parents laughing how fast he ran across that courtyard and I tried to smile through it that he didn’t need me anymore but there was no ceremoniously long hug to linger on to. He was just gone. I walked away proud of my independent soldier but selfishly wishing he had given me a little hint of resistance.
I know he will always need me in a way everyone needs their mother. I think it’s more of letting him grow and learn from someone else that’s so emotional. As parents we are no longer the ones providing for them on a daily basis and their teacher becomes their primary care giver during the week. It’s also letting them grow up and become independent that’s hard as we know just how fast time really goes. It would be nice if we could just freeze various moments throughout their life that we could rewind back to and replay when we want to relive that moment. 
B has changed a lot in the last few months and I know he is going to absolutely love school. He loves learning new things so I think it will give him the stimulation that he needs and earns for. As my first born I can’t believe it’s four years on and here we are on the first day of school. A day that will pave the way for his future and years of education to come. I am now a school mom. It feels weird just saying that. I am so glad he was so excited to start school and that it was a positive milestone for him as much as it was for us. I am so so very proud of him.
MM didn’t like saying goodbye to her brother at the gates and kept calling for him to come back and get in the car with us. When we pulled away from the gates she started screaming for him as if we were abandoning him somewhere and never coming back for him. It took a while to calm her down. When we came to pick him up from school she dashed out in front of everyone and he spotted her and they did that slow motion sprint to each other with their arms stretch out and embraced in a huge hug. A hug that will stay with me forever. A hug that made me cough up that the lump in my throat I was holding back and made the tears pour down my cheeks. A hug that had the crowd of parents around us saying “AWWWW” out loud. It was a moment I won’t forget. I think I am more emotional and nervous how this is all effecting her. She has never known anything different than having her big brother at home with her to play with, explore and learn from. Now, he isn’t there. It will be a transition for us all and a time for new routines to form. 
I was so proud of him for being brave and running into the class in a place he didn’t know and embracing his new teacher so happily. He spent all evening excited that he has to do it all again tomorrow. I am so blessed and grateful of how much he loves his sister and when it’s his special day, he is there hugging her telling her, quote: “it’s ok because I am just a big boy in big boy school now and I did miss you while you were gone but now we are home together again MM so see it’s ok,” in one long breathe. B reassuring her made it even a more heart warming moment picking him up from school today. He always puts everyone else first and I love that about him, selfless.
I couldn’t have asked for a better first day of school for my first born. I have a good feeling he is going to love school and it’s going to be a new adventure for MM and I getting a new routine together just the two of us, during the week. One I look forward to and our one on one time together.
Today was also the anniversary of me moving to England eight years ago. It was lovely to think I was on a plane eight years ago today moving across the world to start a new life and here stood my son starting his new life of his first day of English school, eight years later to the day. Life is a beautiful thing.
Aww what a sweet post. I’m so glad his first day went well and he felt confident enough to run in to school. That’s testament to the parents you are to him. I love that this is the anniversary of your move to England and a day that you and B can share as the day you both made your big journeys in life.
I know we couldn’t believe it when we found out what day school started on, it’s going to be amazing to always have this day to remember together. It was a huge milestone you are right for us all. I was sooo proud of him running in the school like he did. The reunion between his sister and him will forever be in my memory as the best memory ever.
Aw, glad he had a good day, very smart!
Thanks, he really did and so excited to do it all over again today. I just hope after a few full days he still loves it as much. haha
How lovely and emotional too!!! Such gorgeous pics. I love the sign, ive seen a few of my American friends do the same “1st grade” etc, and I may just have to do the same, what a fun thing to look back on. Hope school continues to be a success for him x
Its a great tradition to have each year and see what they wanted to be when they grow up and how much they change on the first day every year. Thank you. It was emotional for us all it would appear haha
How wonderful that he has embraced school so well Jenny. Eli was the same but then he is used to doing the school run so it wasn’t really ‘new’ for him. I’m sure MM will come to love the special time she gets just you and her when her big brother is at school and it will make their time at home together all the more precious x
Oh I am really looking forward to our one on one time but its sad to think he just doesn’t mind leaving me so much so fast. lol I am proud of him and his bravery though. MM and I have a lot plan for us. 🙂
What lovely photos! They will be great for you and your children to look back on in years to come won’t they? I love that he wants to become a farmer! How lovely that he coped so well on his first day and was also looking forward to his next day. I have been through all this with my 4 so know exactly how you and the younger sibling felt – it is often the hardest for those left behind I think.. Enjoy your special time you now have with your daughter 🙂
Thanks hunny yes I am looking forward to our time together as we have never had it just me and her. We have loads planned. Its just getting used to a new routine isn’t it?
Life really is a beautiful thing! To think you were on your way to England 8yrs ago & now you have two lovely kiddies, one starting big school! They do look so much more grown up in the uniform. It’s great that he ran off with no hugs. If he was clingy or upset, it would have been so much harder for you both! #ShareWithMe x
So true and I was happy that I didn’t have two crying moments as I am struggling with his sister anyways at nursery two mornings so needed him to be a big boy for mommy.
Aw bless you all x
As a teacher I’m always shocked at how young the kids look in everyday clothes as opposed to their uniforms too. Hope your wee lass settles into the new routine quickly x
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Thanks. Yes they really do look so much younger and innocent. lol
Such a lovely post. Exciting times – this will be me with my son next year!
Ahh bless I will be right behind you with MM the year after and it all seems to go so fast all the sudden.
Aw Jenny this is such an awesome post. How very crazy that eight years ago today it was a big day for you too! Life is crazy and beautiful you are so right. What a lovely little boy you have. So pleased he had a great day and managed to come home and reassure his sister too. So special x
Ahhh thanks Tanita. He really is a loving soul and I am so very proud of him and even after a week of it he is still loving it and running to the class. I hope this long continues.
aww bless them i love that it was MM running across the playground to hug him that is so cute, I am sure she will adjust to not having her big bro around soon enough. Maisy started this week as well and the girls had to go in and give her class room the once over first Lottie sat down on the carpet and thought she was staying haha! #sharewithme
MM did the same tried to go in the class with him. lol Tickled me. She will get her turn. They are so inseparable hope it doesn’t ruin their friendship and bond as close as they are. Good luck to Maisy. Love that name. 🙂
Aw, so glad it went well for him. I’m sure MM will get used to it, now she’s in nursery too.
Reading this, other blogs of first school days and knowing friends online and in real life going through the same, it feels such a different experience for SAHMs vs working mums who’ve had children in childcare for a few years. For me it was exciting, N was looking forward to it, but it wasn’t really that emotional – I thought I might have been more teary, but it was just excitement that he was going on to the next step. I was more emotional about him leaving nursery, lump in the throat, seeing him hugging his teachers and them saying how much they’d miss him.
Our school’s very different too – apart from the few parents that drop their children at early morning club, all the younger ones’ parents take them into class, and they’re stood waiting at the door with the teacher, and names are called for them to leave when the parent or carer is at the door ready to pick them up.. So it can be good or bad to drop off depending on how independent they are to see the parents in the classroom with them.
Yes I must admit I was WAY more emotional and upset when he had to say goodbye to his nursery and they were singing to him and made cards and presents as he was the only one leaving then. It was so hard and I was really excited that he was so brave and ran in. A little sad more for myself and that he really is a big boy now.
That is so lovely that the day has 2 such big journeys to rememeber it by.
What a beautiful post, he looks so handsome and what a clever boy he is.
I can’t believe our babies are at school, they just seem to little xx
I know I think that everyday I have picked him up this week. I keep looking at them thinking they all look way too young. It’s weird for me as in the states its more like 6/7 years olds.
Aw what a lovely post! Your children are so cute together. What a grown up little boy he is, MM is lucky to have him as an older brother. And it’s amazing that it coincided with your moving to England anniversary! x #sharewithme
I know when I saw it on the calendar I thought ahhh what a lovely day to share together for our live milestones.
It’s so hard when they go off to school, it makes me feel emotional just thinking about it! Lovely post and I love the photos of your children together – so sweet!
I really wish I had my phone out when they ran to each other and hugged. It was a moment I will never forget. So beautiful and they sat like this forever afterwards and I just cried like a baby so proud of him for being brave and loving how much they love each other.
He looks very sweet in his uniform. Its quite hard for the younger sibling when they realise they cant join them at school. #Sharewithme
I know I never thought about it until she got so upset and now I am more emotional over her asking for him all the time. Its’ a lovely transition for us to have one on one now together, her and I.
Sounds like a lovely first day – and he did brilliantly! Such a sweet sibling relationship too. #sharewithme
It was a great first day and we have been lucky to have a great week too. He is loving it so much. It’s new though I hope it doesn’t wear off.
Aww what a lovely post!! I will be 11 years in this country on January 2016!! The time really flies and you don’t even realise!! It is crazy!! The first day at school it is the most emotional one specially for us mums. We suffer more than them I think LOL. He will love his school and he will grow up incredibly fast. My daughter is now starting Year 1 so we already went through this last year which a hard year as there are big changes foe our little ones but they always manage to surprise us and succeed right? 🙂 xx
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We sure do hunny, so right. Congratulations that’s amazing ten years. Hope you have a big celebratory night out for that. I think kids adapt so much better than us adults do. He will do great.
Oh bless – what a milestone. My second youngest (2) cries every day when we drop the two big kids off at school – they are 7 and 9. He misses them even though he has his baby brother at home too #sharewithme
Ahhh bless it’s just an emotional parting isn’t it? But so cute they love each other so much to care. I do love that.
Aw! At least you have one child you don’t have to fret over although I hope MM is beginning to come around to nursery now. My eldest was the same last year – really ready for school and happy to go. The siblings have a real love hate relationship sometimes though and so his little brother wasn’t quite as distraught about seeing him go although we did have a few plaintive “where’s JJ?” From him to begin with. I think the US call what we term Reception year Kindergarten – I’m guessing they equate to the same thing but we just make it seem more like school beginning and less like nursery ending? Anyway – lots to look forward to – you will cry your eyes out at his first nativity 🙂 Xxx #sharewithme
Oh no don’t get me thinking of first nativity I will cry. lol Yes in the states we have kindergarden but it’s only half a day at age 6 really depending on where you live then 1st grade at 7 years old. It all goes so fast though.
Such a sweet story! So glad your little man handled the transition so well! My daughter just started preschool and I was just as much of an emotional wreck! This motherhood thing is intense!
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It really is and on the things I thought I would be tough or not get emotional over I am way worse. lol But it’s a rewarding one isn’t it?
I can’t even imagine my girls going to school at the moment! I can imagine how bittersweet it must feel! Thank god he had such a great first day! Xx
I am so relieved it’s going so well for him and he loves it so much. We are now on full days and this is now our new routine. lol Feels weird being a school mom now. Like I am just playing dress up for a little bit lol
Lightening McQueen and a farmer! Hahaha! And how brave running straight in! So emotional! X
It was very emotional but he did so well and loves it thus far so hoping that long continues.
He looks so grown up. I am glad it went well. It shows he was ready for it. Kirsten
He really was so ready for it and I am so proud of him.
Life comes in full circle so beautifully sometimes. I just love the pic of him with his arm around his sister…that my friend is a framed art piece! So glad the first day went well…and thank you for hostessing #sharewithme.
It really is and I only wish I had the one where they embraced it was amazing moment. But it will be in my memory forever.
Aww it sounds like he’s taking to it really well. That moment where they hugged at the end of the school day sounds so sweet 🙂 Thanks for hosting #sharewithme
Debbie
It was one to remember forever and even got Mr P all choked up which is a hard nut to crack. lol I loved that he was so brave.
He looks so gorgeous in his uniform!! We have had a lost sibling here too, LJ doesn’t understand where G is all the time! Lovely post hun xx thanks for hosting xx
Oh thank you so much Katy. He loves his uniform so much too its hilarious. It’s a transition I hope MM will get used to.
What a darling! He looks wonderful in his uniform. Both my kids just ran off into their classes on the first day without a hug so I know how that feels a little empty. But how lovely to reunite with a hug and such sweet words to say to his sister! #sharewithme
I know they were adorable and had everyone all teary. It was great to witness. Thanks he is so proud of his new uniform. I think MM will run in too when it’s here time. They are independent.
Aww, what a lovely but emotional post. He looks so smart in his uniform, you must have been beaming with pride. Its a good thing that he wants to go back again..he won’t in about 3 years!!! 😉 #sharewithme x
Thank you so much Sophie for stopping by. He was so ready for the first day and I am so very proud of his bravery and glad he loves it. He is doing great all week. I think it will rub off after a few weeks hahaha.
Bless him, glad he had a lovely day. And how sweet that’s it’s your ‘UK anniversary’ too – everything came good! X
Yes I am so grateful for the choices I have made and what has become of them. It was a lovely day to share with my son’s first day. He did brilliantly.
Ah hun, what a lovely post. My absolute favourite moment of my week is when I collect Baby from Preschool, I always get such an amazing hug. He will be amazing at school, I just know it x
He really seems to love it and keeps asking if he gets to do it again tomorrow. I hope that long continues. Thanks hunny. It is a weird feeling to become a school mom now I still think it sounds funny when I say it out loud. He will do great I know it.
What a beautiful post and a gorgeous little chap. My son is only 1, so I can’t even begin to think about the emotions that him starting school will bring. Glad he is enjoying it and you are all feeling positive. Well done! Xx
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Oh it comes up way too fast I swear B was just one a few months ago and now he is going to school all day. Weep. My daughter is right behind him. Lol Thank you hun.
We had our first day of school this week too. So emotional but exciting too!
Oh that’s fantastic news. Congratulations. I hope its gone well for you all too. Thanks hunny.
This was so endearing. I know there were tears of joy during B’s first day of school, but I’m so happy it turned out well. I can only imagine the changes that your family will be going through now that he’s at school, but it’s all for the better. Like you said, this is his first step to his future, a way to usher in his education head on. And nothing beats that. Thanks for hosting us for #sharewithme! Have a great rest of the week.
I am too I wouldn’t really want him devastated and upset. Complete tears of joy for sure. Thank you.
I’m so glad it went well and that B enjoyed his first day. It’s weird, they often go into school on their first day without a backward glance and we just about make it into the car before welling up … But it’s great too as it shows they’re happy and secure. Hope the next days go as well. Thank you for hosting #sharewithme and have a wonderful week. 🙂
Thank you ever so much. So true and it is great that they become so independent and grown up so quickly at this stage. Yes I wouldn’t want it any other way.
He looks lovely. 😀
My daughter loves school, she’s very fast in finding her uniform when it’s time to get ready hehe.
Oh B is the same he is so uniform proud I can’t believe it. It’s cute. Helps getting ready in the morning.
Sounds like you’ve raised adorable children. My daughter doesn’t want to leave my arms so I can’t imagine how she’s going to get on one day when she starts school.
Ahh thanks Helena that’s so sweet to say. I think I just got lucky. I do think it will be harder for MM to start school then B.
I cried. I cried reading this post. It was gorgeous. I’m so glad he loved his first day at school! He looked so grown-up yet adorable at the same time! <3
Ahh bless you Lexie thank you. It was the perfect first week of school this week with him and first day. I am so grateful it has gone so smoothly and how much he absolutely loves it. MM is still struggling but we will get there. Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Awww how gorgeous and love then idea abutment tour son wants to be when he grows.yp 🙂
Thank you. He made us proud.