Graduation

So, did I cry? You bet! It wasn't at the processional. It wasn't when Alex was awarded his "degree". It was at the very beginning with the slide show that introduced the graduating kids. A baby photo popped up first, followed by a recent picture of the child, and ended with a family photo. Of course, sappy music was playing in the background, the kind you dance with your mom or dad at your wedding. I got teary eyed when the slide show began and it wasn't even Alex on the screen yet. As the alphabet got closer to him, the tears just kept coming. I looked over at Joe, all embarrassed and cursed pregnancy hormones. He just gave me a reassuring look and said it was fine. Alex hugged me. Whew! That was hard to get over. I was fine through the songs sung by the kids. Then the kids had a surprise they had to go get. When I saw the first kid come through the doors with a pink carnation, I knew the water works would start again. And I saw my baby boy, now a five year old boy - a child, and no longer a baby - round the corner with my flower. He had a huge smile on his face and came up to me and gave me a huge hug and handed me the flower. I held on a bit longer than I should have and a bit tighter but when I let him go, I was fine again. The morning ended with the processional, the presentation of the degrees and then we had refreshments. Alex had a cupcake, a piece of cake, and a cookie. How could we say no, it was his big day! Jenna, now, she gave me some grief. We were going to stay with the class so that I could help out before the ceremony began, but she so badly wanted to do what the other kids were doing that I had to take her out. I felt bad for her. She wanted a hat. She wanted to sit on stage. She wanted to sing the songs. But once I removed her and gave her some one-on-one time, she was OK. Then when Joe showed up we made a big deal that she got to sit with Daddy. That appeased her enough. At one point she did tell me that when she went to preschool, Alex could NOT sit up front with her because it would be her special day! Afterwards we went to McDonald's (they are giving out Speed Racer toys, you know). Alex did find a surprise on his booster seat, an army bucket filled with a pack of WOW cards, Spiderman cards, and Star Wars cards along with a Hulk pen and a new toothbrush (he needed a new one, so why not just throw it in). Joe surprised both kids with baseball bats and balls. After quiet time we are headed outside to play some baseball. It's been a good day and Alex has felt special and knows that we are proud of him, what more can we ask for?