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I went through first day jitters last night and I didn't get to sleep until 1 a.m. I really had to struggle out of bed this morning but I did it! 6 a.m.! Not that I had a choice in the matter :)

It was still dark! I made rice the night before so all I had to do was fry up the vienna sausages this morning. I wanted Aidan to get off on a good start and a full belly. Aidan was a little groggy when I woke him up but he perked up fast. We had breakfast together, then I brushed Aidan's teeth and got him dressed and then I got dressed, grabbed the videocam and the digi and our family was off!

Aidan said he was excited. We got to the school and we waited for a bit outside the class for the doors to open. I know Allan and I were much more anxious than Aidan. I was taking pictures of him and he began doing his karate poses. Then when the door finally opened, we walked him inside straight to the circle time rug. All the parents gathered around the back of the class either videotaping or taking pictures. If only we could've stayed to watch! All of us parents had to leave after they did their morning prayers and it was one of those bittersweet times having to wave goodbye to Aidan because we've begun another phase in our lives.

I didn't really get the chance to sit around and miss him though. I had to go to Target because I forgot to get his classroom supplies: paper towels, tissues, disinfectant wipes, ziplocs. Then I took a detour to Michael's to shop for beading supplies until it was time to pick him up. Time went by quickly!

I felt like such a Mom going to school and picking up my son. I remembered how I would pick up my brothers from school, but it's different because now the boy is my own. It's an amazing feeling. While waiting outside the class I could hear singing because it was someone's birthday. When the door opened all the kids were gathered on the rug and Ms. Yamas called one child at a time to come out, plus they all got goody bags for their first day. Aidan saw me by the door and he started to walk out but he was told, "Not yet, Aidan." (Later he told me he just wanted to say hi to me.) When he was finally called, I could tell that he had a good time. He had frosting on his face and his shirt.

Did you have fun? Yes. What did you do? We did circle time and played at the playground. Did you meet any friends? Yes, I talked to Stevie. Did you play with anyone at the playground? Yes, just one girl. What was your job today? I was the line leader. Where did you go when you were in line? To the playground.

While driving home he was excited about the stuff in his goody bag. There were these paper glasses that he insisted on wearing even though they kept falling off his face. Later we looked through it and what was inside were little objects that had meaning. Stickers for "sticking together", erasers because "we all make mistakes", a paper apple because they "will learn something new everyday" and a cotton ball for "warm feelings." Aidan said, "I'm so lucky to get a cotton ball!" It's funny how he gets excited about little things.

Then I videotaped him a bit more and I said, "Aidan, I missed you while you were gone. Did you miss me?" And he said, "No." Sigh. Bittersweet, indeed. But I'm so glad you had a good time, Aidan-boy, and I'm elated that you like going to school. I'm so proud of you!