It's here. And if you're anything like me, sending your baby off to kindergarten is something of an emotional rollercoaster that you've found yourself on for a while now. I've been prepping, planning, re-prepping, re-planning, and basically attempting not to crumble for weeks. I have been blessed to be a work at home mom since our son was born. It has been both incredibly difficult and truly the most magnificent time of my life. From birth, Luke has given us a run for our money, but boy have we all learned so much.
There is this bittersweet feeling that comes with sending him to kindergarten as I will still have baby sister at home with me. The timing really couldn't have been more perfect (I say with my head down as God reminds me of all the times I tried to force my timing...). The age gap between my kiddos allowed me to have fully intentional one on one time with our sweet kindergartner(!) for just about 4 years and 4 months. We have now had the last almost year to spend together with baby sister. They've gotten to know each other deeply, have made each other laugh, and he has gotten to see her hit new milestones. It has been such a sweet time and having him here to help me has really been a huge blessing. Luke is the best big brother around and I will never be able to thank him enough for all that he has done to make the last 9 months(!) the best time spent together.
As we shift our schedules, create new routines, and take on kindergarten, I've thought a lot about everything that Luke has taught me so far. He has been a massive part of our marriage from the beginning as I feel deeply compelled to say that it was largely because of him that marriage mattered to me as much as it did then and still does today. At that time it was never about the wedding, the expensive day, or the big show (more on that here). Luke was born a Yearley and I wanted nothing more than to share their last name with both of them. His birth was the start of our Family Team and I know that the strides that we have made since are in large part due to him. Starting from the bottom with nothing (seriously, I'm not just quoting Drake) and fighting every single day to be better has been ultimately due to the responsibility we took on when we found out I was pregnant with him and the responsibility we took on when we agreed to spend our lives together.
Finding faith, learning about Family Teams and bettering our marriage, our friendship, and our functionality as a family have all been massive strides for our little Team. We have done so with Luke, and now Lynae, in mind. Things have always been a daily grind of hard work and dedication, but our marriage and these sweet children are beyond worth it. I've gained more life experience, understanding, and gray hair in the last 5 years (almost 6 if you count the 9 months I was pregnant (: ). There has never been a job that has tested my will quite like motherhood has, but with that came lesson upon lesson of not only how to be the best mother I can be, but also how I can strive to be the best version of myself possible so as to model to my children what it looks like to take on this life with grace, gratitude, and effort. Mistakes are made daily and there will be times that we will take the wrong fork in the road and end up at a dead end. We have worked to instill in Luke the understanding that we will always be here to lift him up and help him dust off when the time inevitably calls for it.
Much like the method of the birds, today is our day to encourage Luke to leave the nest and learn to fly on his own (during the day... he isn't allowed to fully fly out of the nest just yet (: ). We've given him the best tools we can for this stage in his life and we will continue to teach and equip him as he grows and evolves into his own person. My days are sure to be quieter until his sister takes on using my furniture as an obstacle course. Despite the sadness that comes with this transition, I know that the world is being gifted with the most loving, brilliant and funny little boy around. I'd by lying if I said that my mama heart wasn't a little jealous of all of the people who get to spend their days with him like I have for the last 5 years. And I'd really be lying if I said I had been able to write this without having to stop and cry a little...or... a lot.
Through the tears, the change, and the beginning of this new season, I find myself utterly proud of this little boy. He has made leaps and bounds, become so incredibly talented and continues to lead with love every single day. This kid has the ability to change the world and I'm so excited to be on the sideline cheering him on, reminding him to hydrate, providing snacks and always pointing him toward Jesus. I am honored to be his mama and I am so excited to take on this season of kindergarten as a team.
Here's to you, my sweet Lukey. I pray that your first day of kindergarten is the best and that you find your deep love for learning, as I did all those years ago. Daddy and I love you more than you will ever know and we look forward to seeing where life takes you. Always remember that you have your team here ready to help, support and encourage you all along the way.
Love,
You're Number One Fan(s)!
Xx,
Mama (Daddy & Sissy too)
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