Mommy Moments
Adjusting
By Briana D’Andrea
So I finally sent my little man to school. In my last article, I talked all about my different emotions, leading up to the “BIG first day.” I think from the day he was born, I was anxious, scared, excited, worried and happy all at the same time…if that’s even possible. When it was time to walk him into class, with his newly embroidered backpack and lunch box, I felt calmer than I thought I would. Luckily, my husband took the morning off. I think more so for me than for himself. The three of us walked hand in hand into the preschool building, ready to take on the world. We walked in, washed our hands, signed him in and just when I thought I had made it to the finish line tear-free…the teacher asked me if I was okay. NO! I wasn’t okay deep, deep down. I was putting my trust into someone else, to take care of my first born child, with whom I hadn’t parted ways with in 2 years, 730 days, 17,530 hours!
Although I had put on a brave face, I guess I wasn’t so great at acting like everything was fine. The teacher called my bluff. Water swelled up in my eyes and a few tears made their way down my cheek, as I recounted all of the precious memories our little family had made over the course my baby’s life. It was hard. I then pulled myself together, gave him a big hug and kiss and we made our way out the door. I’d be lying if I said my son didn’t cry the first day or even the second. Or that we didn’t have some adjustments to make, when it came to the behavior of other children and even himself. I contemplated pulling him from school and waiting until he was really ready, but then I thought about my dedication to everything in life and just because something was difficult, I never quit.
Looking back one whole month later, I can see that he’s changed in a good way. I’m glad we stayed. He’s more independent, carries conversations and has a genuine love for his teachers, school and friends and man – does he love to dance! He knows the names of all of his friends and talks about sharing and the things he’s learned while at school. Things I couldn’t teach him. I’ve started working as a part-time substitute teacher. It’s been a rewarding opportunity, with the chance to sneak a quick peek at my son and watch him grow right before my very eyes. We’re so proud of the little boy he is blossoming into and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Briana D’Andrea is a former news anchor, reporter, producer and writer turned mommy. She traded in travel and red carpets to raise her almost 2-year-old baby boy and wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world. She keeps up with her love of writing as a healthy foods examiner http://www.examiner.com/healthy-foods-6-in-west-palm-beach/briana-d-andrea. She loves spending time in her backyard with her husband, son and shih-tzu. Her hobbies include bike riding with her hubby and coloring with her son.