My Favorite Things

One of my favorite things in the whole world is to watch Leo walk into school.  As he is getting out of the car in the morning, I always tell him "Have a good day, I love you" or some variation of this.  He looks at me with this mix of embarrassment and love on his face.  Occasionally, I will get a response, but mostly he just quickly shuts the car door and runs into school.  I smile every morning watching him racing in the school with a huge backpack on his back.  Today it hit me that the backpack no longer seems too big for him.  He has grown so much this school year.  I choke back tears, shocked at how quickly he has gone from my baby to a independent little boy. 

Walking into school on the first day of kindergarten

My other favorite thing is when Nora runs to meet me at the door.  No matter how long I have been gone, Nora comes running up to me and gives me the biggest hug when I get home.  She hugs me like I have been gone for days.  It thrills me.  I feel like a rock star with an adoring fan.  Nora holds me so tight like she never wants me to go again.  I absolutely love it because I know this will not last.  Leo is glad I'm home too, I'm sure, but his biggest concern is whether or not I bought him anything at the store.  It makes me laugh every time because rarely, if I have been grocery shopping or running errands, do I bring home a special treat for the kids.  I guess Leo is checking just in case.

I love this rotten smile!

Being mother of the year has many perks.  Now if I can only remember to enjoy them more often.