Asher's first bus ride

Ever since school started on Monday, Asher has been begging to ride the bus. We took both kids to school the first few days, then we started letting Kyrie ride the bus the rest of the week (she was begging to ride because her best friend from next door rides). I just wasn't ready to let Asher ride quite yet, mostly because my Mommy heart isn't ready to "let go" and allow him to be that independent, but also because I wanted to make sure he was comfortable finding his classroom on his own.

He begged and begged yesterday, so I made him a deal that he could ride today if he could find his classroom on his own yesterday. Derk took him to school and had him lead the way. He did great from what Derk said! I was secretly hoping he'd need me to hold his hand just a little bit longer, but he's very confident.

He could hardly wait to start the walk to the bus stop this morning! He couldn't believe I was finally letting him ride (and neither could I!). Kyrie's friend from next door came over to walk with the kids, and then we were off. I managed to snap a few pictures along the way.

Once the bus came, all the kids were in a rush to get on, so I didn't even get to give him a hug before sending him off. My Mommy heart stopped beating for a second as I watched my little guy, who was barely tall enough to see out the window to wave goodbye to me, get on that big, yellow bus for the first time. It's HUGE to let your precious baby go out into the world alone for the first time. I thought I'd be okay since I've already walked through it with Kyrie, but it wasn't any easier.

Of course Asher LOVED it and did awesome! I told Kyrie a million times to take good care of her brother and make sure he was okay. She did! She sat by him on the bus and took care of him at school until the bell rang.

I didn't cry on his first day of school. He was so confident, and I knew he'd be okay. But I totally cried today as he rode the bus for the first time. Pretty soon, he'll need his Mommy to walk him through life less and less. I hate this part of being a mother. Seeing their happiness as they learn that they are capable of being more grown up and watching that confidence build and grow is really amazing to watch. But I still want them to stay my babies for just a little while longer. Okay, maybe more like forever....