He was so serious.

Asher started Mother’s Day Out yesterday.  He was super excited about it, though I am still not sure I really told him much about it before his first day.  Oh, he’s such a middle child.  Poor thing.  About a week before school started, I realized I had never told him he’d be starting pre-school.  So despite my lack of preparation, he was still very excited.  And of course we took all the obligatory pics on his first day.

His lightning McQueen backpack that is almost as big as he is...

My little handsome boy

Saying, "C'mon Mommy."

Went right in and sat down to begin finger painting.

When we got to his school, he practically took off running to get inside.  There were a bunch of people standing around the entrance talking to each other- catching up on summer fun.  And when he saw them all standing there, he stopped dead in his tracks and with an exuberant smile yelled to them, “Hey everybody!!!  I’m Asher!!!”  He was far enough away from them and they were so caught up in conversation that noone turned around.  It was so cute though- he was just so excited to be there and to meet new people.

And it wouldn’t be fair to write a letter to Amai on her first day without writing one to Ashe would it?  So here’s my letter to my boy.

Dear Asher,

When I found out I was having a boy, I had no idea what to do.  All I knew was frilly and fancy girl things from having Amai.  And to be honest I was a little freaked out.  What did I know about little boys?  How would I handle the dirt you would surely bring inside?  The gross noises you would most certainly love to make?  And how wild you were destined to be?

But the second they placed you on my chest, I adored you.  You’ve brought so much joy to my heart over the last 3 years and now you’re already starting pre-school.  All of the ideas I had about little boys were transformed by you.  You opened my eyes to a whole new world of exploring, discovery, curiosity, energy and optimism.  You are so naturally happy and social.  I have loved getting to know your little personality, and am constantly amazed by how you naturally share things with other people.  I will never forget the day you laughed at me hairspraying my hair when you were only 5 months old.  You showed me then what you were only beginning to bring into my life- a delight in simple things, an ability to laugh easily and often.

You hold a special place in my heart and always will.  Some may say that the middle child often gets lost, but I know you won’t because you hold the honor of being our only son.  What a special boy you are, I treasure the place that you hold in our family.  I look forward to seeing you grow into a man, and feel privileged to be able to help lead you on the path the Lord has chosen for you.

So now you begin a new stage of learning, a new stage of relating to others, and a new stage of being just a little more independent of me.  With just a tiny tear in my eye, but mainly a swell of pride in my heart- I hope you have a wonderful time in pre-school.  I love you dearly.

Love,

Mama