Preschool Dayz.

I have a preschooler. A full-on, running, chatting, YELLING, fighting, cute, hilarious, whimsical, smart, mind-of-his-own preschooler. WHERE HAS TIME GONE?

Levi's first day was on Monday. Surprisingly he hasn't talked much about it when we ask him, but we know he likes it because he "loves Ms. Gina."

"I love her," he says.

We crouch down and tilt our heads at the innocence. "Awe."

It's pretty much music to your ears when your child tells you he loves his teacher. Who knew?

Two days in, however, and we've got a running, stopped up, snot nose. I fear it is only the beginning for colds and viruses. Shall I say, let the games begin?

I prayed a hedge of protection around our household last night. That the Lord would keep stomach bugs and viruses at bay. Colds and snot I can handle, but throw up I don't deal with well. I'm not talking about the smell or the look, but the sheer sense of nausea and the physical act of vomiting literally scares me. I get fearful every fall, because I know we are heading into winter, which is primal season. Isn't it?

Anyway, last year I prayed that we would not get hit, and while I think Isaac had a one-day bout of a bug, Levi and I did not get sick. (Vitamins help people!) I was SO grateful. I have kept in mind, though, that he was not in school. But now he is.

It seems like just yesterday I was snapping photos of him smiling while passing gas in his sleep. We were there, on our red comfy couch in the condo, overlooking the balcony to the Manassas Park water tower in our "backyard." The cool air caught my heart as we listened to Osbourn's marching band while the football game carried on.

I'd give him a bottle, rock him to sleep, and slip his bink in just like that. Piece of cake!

Now we are teaching him to pull up his pants, sip from a cup, use a fork, AND have manners. This cannot be!

Though these sweet memories make me sad as I long for them again, my heart is so full.

3 Good Years.

Yesterday was Levi's preschool orientation. PRESCHOOL. Wasn't he just born yesterday?

We sat in the sanctuary and listened to the pastor welcome us into the church and community as our little ones all begin this new journey together...SCHOOL.

Isaac. Me. Levi. And Mimi.

Mimi has become a regular now with us most places we go. It's rather cute. She and Levi share a special bond and they've formed a great relationship these past several years as she has been his caretaker part-time practically since he has been born.

After the pastor's words we went to meet Ms. Gina, his teacher. Gina is a fairly young teacher with bright eyes and a really sweet spirit. She was very welcoming and loved on all the kids.

Each student had their name taped to their own desk area, where I assume will be there place to draw and color and make crafts, and learn throughout the year.

I was excited for him, and joyous for the experience. It was the start of a new chapter, a new venture, and a place that Levi has been looking forward to for weeks since he's known about it.

Instantly, he fell in love with Ms. Gina.

She led them in a short craft, gave us some paperwork, and said "See you Monday!"

He gave Ms. Gina a big, long, hug (he has become a bit of a snuggle bug lately), and we were off.

While I loved this experience and seeing Levi mesmerized by it all and excited and ready to go, I couldn't help but come home and be sad about all we've ever known the past three years.

They've been good years. GREAT years.

From the first time I held him in my arms after giving birth to his first bath, roll, crawl, word, and step it has been an amazing journey. Tiring and trying at times, yes, but wonderful nonetheless.

We have had three good years, the three of us. Laughing, crying, giggling. Going on adventures together like the Outer Banks and Sesame Place, spending the night at Keek's, going to the Farmer's Market and Yardsales, and even to his three favorite parks. Oh, and don't forget the MALL.

The Mall is my little man's top priority most days. :) (Right up there with the bookstore).

I love these past three years. Absolutely love them. And though we enter a new chapter, we will make many more memories with each other, with new friends, and with new adventures.