Milestones

Today was the last day of summer for us. N goes to kindergarten tomorrow. Wow, just typing that and I am tearing up. I realized over the past few weeks that having a kid is seeing them learn to do many things on their own and learning to let go. I noticed, everyday N needs me for less and less. The flip-side is you get to see this wonderful child grow up and become and independent individual. 

I decided to take 12 days off of work to spend with N. On Aug 14, he had is tonsils removed. We spend a week in recovery. I thought it would be a lot simpler but it was like having a newborn all over again. The pain he woke up with in the middle of the night was just heartbreaking. However, after 8 days he seemed back to almost normal. The surgery has appeared to be successful and he sleep appears to be much deeper and more restful then ever before. It was worth the risk but I am still glad it is over.

The second week off was a bit hectic. I spent all day Monday with him just hanging out and doing fun things. Tuesday I had to work so Paul spent the day with him at home just relaxing. Then Wednesday we packed for our last trip of the summer. We headed to Door County for 4 days. We traveled with another family from daycare and had a great time. Everyday all of us spent time in the pool, biking and just relaxing. The kids had a wonderful time and the trip was a perfect way to end the summer.

Finally, today was the last day of the summer. N and I had plans to go to Chuck E Cheese and then the park. He had a blast. We played games against each other, won the "super bonus", got tons of tickets and enjoyed a giant lollipop prize. We headed to the park to play with another little boy and followed by dinner and an early bed time. 

The whole time together was full of fun memories, pictures and laughs. I am completely at peace with sending him to kindergarten because we got time to celebrate each other, spend quality time together and bond. At the end of the time together, we decided to start a new tradition and take the week off before school every year and just bond. 

Deep down inside, I want to cry because he is at the next step in his life. However, this stage of his life is just a gift for me. We communicate well, I am learning about his own personality and he is finding his independence. While it is sad that he is growing up fast and the preschooler stage is in the past, it is exciting to hear all about his new adventures so the tears can flow but there is also joy to be had.