Harry starts school

As I start writing this post, I want it to have a hook, a twist, that makes it different from all the other 'my child started school' blog posts that will be published this week. But I blog to record all the memories that our family is making, and so this post is to capture an important day in the life of our little family, the day that Harry started school.

Early mornings aren't a problem in our household, so we had plenty of time to get ready. I bought Harry a little Playmobil starting school figure which I left in his room last night for him to find when he woke up. Then I also made him a Schultüte, using instructions from Red Ted Art, as a starting school present. I filled it with pretty bits of stationery that are just for him, and some sweets.

He ate his breakfast super quick, then announced that he didn't have time to brush his teeth as he didn't want to be late for school. I corrected him on that one, and then he got himself dressed in his school uniform, including the tricky button on the trousers and the shoes that he had refused to practice!

We spent plenty of time taking photographs inside and out. Although Mia has been going to nursery for a few months now, it was also her first morning without Harry there, so we had to take her there first and make sure that she was settled. Fortunately she waved us goodbye happily.

Then Ram drove us over to the school. We were early of course, as I always am, so we waited in the playground until the door opened and we all piled in. It was a bit chaotic with lots of excited children and parents cramming inside, but we found homes for his PE bag, jumper, lunchbox, book bag water bottle, fruit and his shoebox, which he had to fill with things that were special to him. Then he called out 'bye' and that was our signal to leave.

It looks as though he has settled in absolutely fine. He will be attending full time from his first day, so it's going to be very tiring for him, and I'm sure that he won't greet every morning from now on in with the same enthusiasm. I do feel emotional, but it's also a relief that the first day is now over after such a big build up. Now I find myself in an empty house, with the prospect of a morning and lunch by myself for the first time in years before I go to collect Mia!