Dean's First Day of School

Dear Dean,

Tomorrow is your first day of school!  Kindergarten is finally here. 

We've been talking about going to school for years -- since the beginning really.  Your dad and I have shared how fun school will be.  We have driven by your school so many times.  We've taken you to play there and have gone to every kindergarten event they've had.  You seem awfully excited for tomorrow!  Your dad and I (okay, mostly mom) loved school!  We are so anxious for you to see what it is all about. 

While we hope school is fun for you, it will also be a challenge.  You won't always know the answers or how to do everything, but you will learn!  I hope you always volunteer to try new things and to answer questions.  I hope that you love to learn and explore new ideas.  I hope that you make lots of friends -- from all different places.  I hope you meet people that make you think and learn about new places and cultures.  I hope that you share what you know with your friends and schoolmates.  I hope that you enjoy it all.  You will love it!  I'm sure of it.

And while I am so thrilled for your school journey to begin, I am also so torn.  You are my very first baby, Dean.  You have fulfilled so many of my dreams.  Watching you grow has been the greatest joy in my life.  You are kind, sweet, gentle, funny, and so smart!  You have such a sweet spirit -- even when you're feisty!  It's hard for a mom to watch her baby grow.  As your mom, I worry that I won't always be around to protect you or guide you.  I can only hope that we have taught you and prepared you for the future.

You'll learn all new things and become more and more independent, which is great.  I hope that what we have taught you has helped you be prepared for what's coming next.  I hope that you always feel safe and comfortable with your teachers, with your friends, and with your community.  I hope that you always confide in mom and dad.  We will love and support you every step of the way.

I'm so excited for this next step, baby!  (Even if it means you're growing up!) 

I am proud of you.  I can't wait to see how your future unfolds, Deanie Bear.

You're off to great places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So...get on your way!

I love you, Dean.

Love,


Mom

P.S.  At bedtime tonight, you came into Eli's room to ask me if I could come into your room in the morning and set a timer for one minute.  Dad told me you wanted me to lay with you.  When I asked if you were asking me to lay with you or if you wanted to wake up on your own to the alarm clock, you told me you really wanted to wake up to the alarm (but lay with me too!).  Then I asked if we could have more than one minute to lay together.  As you were walking out of the room, you told me, "We can have maybe one or two minutes."  You're so funny, Dean!  I'll take all the minutes you'll give me!