First Steps.

 Time is a tricky, tricky business.


One day you're awake every half hour, tending to your new baby... exhausted and overwhelmed and praying for the day they will just sleep.through.the.night....

... and then you blink.



And time flashed forward.

And it's hard to understand how it's even possible that it could have passed so quickly... when you don't feel any different... but your baby is barely even a baby even more.

And sitting on the floor, you hold his/her hand... then stretch out your arms... back up... 

..... and let go.

When all of a sudden, slowly, wobbly, uncertain... and indescribably excited.... 

those amazing first steps come eagerly toward you.

And it's impossible not to be proud.

It's a  milestone!

Independence.

First Steps. ♥

But it's hard.

Time doesn't care.


And it doesn't slow down or pause.. or wait for whether you're ready or not.


It marches forward. Step by step.


And it takes your baby with it.

 ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥     ♥ 

So today, we had more first steps.

And I had to let go... again.


And although it was not nearly as exciting or happy for me - in fact, I'd say it's right up there with some of the toughest things I've done as a parent... - one thing is definitely the same. 


I absolutely could not feel any more proud of this little boy than I do right now. 


Holden Tyler...  Our "official" Kindergartener.

 Totally ready.

 

 Silly boy.

 I'm sorry. But HOW. 

HOW did this happen? 

When did he turn into such an awesome, handsome, little young man?? ♥

 Getting his book bag.

 Super Cheese.

Now time for kisses♥

 

 My Buddy.

 Playing Legos with Daddy before it was time to go out for the bus.

And then it was time!!

I think maybe Mom and Dad both needed a hug outside.

Waiting....

 Yep.... Totally. Ready.

... I was a different story...

 But  Ready or Not .... it doesn't matter. 

It was time to let go.. again.

 And time for more First Steps.♥