Big Changes Ahead

It is hard for me to believe that tomorrow Alex "graduates" from preschool. He had a graduation ceremony last year but I was fine with it because I knew he was going to preschool for another year. But tomorrow, well, I think it will be hard for me. In just a few short months Alex will begin the next phase of his life - the school years. I am having a hard time thinking about him being away from me the whole day -not knowing what he is doing, who he is talking to, how he is behaving, what he is eating, wondering if he is having fun, wondering if he is getting in trouble, wondering if he fits in. It's a lot to deal with. And I know deep down that he will be just fine. I really think he is going to like school. He knows what is ahead. He knows he is going to go to school like Daddy goes to work (5 days of school, 2 days off). He knows he is going to eat lunch at school (just make sure you pack things I like, Mom). He knows he no longer has to have quiet time (the biggest highlight I think). Oh well, plenty of time to dwell on these thoughts in August. I just hope I'm not a huge emotional mess tomorrow. I was teary-eyed at the Big Brother/Big Sister class the kids went to at the hospital this past weekend. Alex and Jenna were so excited about the class. They learned about how things will be different when the baby comes home and that the baby will take up a lot of mom and dad's time. The nurse told the kids that it was alright to feel upset or angry about the baby sometimes. If they felt this way then they were to tell mom or dad that they needed some alone time with mom or with dad. When she said that, I flashed back to one of the hardest moments I had after Jenna came home. Alex woke up from his nap and called for me. I went into his room carrying Jenna. Alex's eyes teared up and he said in his little-just-turned-2-year-old voice "Baby down. Me, Mommy." I'm hoping we all transition smoothly. The class really helped them feel special and understand what is to come. We visited a maternity suite, so they know what the room will look like when they come to visit. They saw a newborn through the nursery window. They made pictures for the baby that the hospital staff will put on the baby's bassinet and they were able to wrap a present for the baby. Alex picked out a bib that said "I've got a great big brother" and Jenna picked out a stuffed animal. The kids then got a certificate and a bag filled with lots of neat things like books and crayons. Jenna thought the tiny baby diaper was so funny. Alex is now really excited about the baby. In class they mentioned how the baby is already getting to know their voices and that when they come to see the baby, the baby will probably turn in their direction because he/she already knows who they are. And that the baby is getting to know their touch, too. This sunk in with Alex because he has been rubbing my belly so much more and talking to the baby. It is so precious. The big day is approaching soon. I'll be 35 weeks on Thursday - 2 to 5 weeks left. Time is going by fast now - and as achy and tired as I feel - this is a good thing! I'll try to post pictures of the graduation ceremony tomorrow, check back!