Blink and you've missed it.

It's been a full on weekend and I wasn't able to take photo's of a lot of it as i pinched a nerve in my back a week ago and haven't been very mobile. Really convenient with a graduation, birthday, birthday party and a tonne of other stuff to do. Not. Still I'm on the mend again now so I'll be burning the candle to catch up on stuff!

Anyway Friday was Joshie's 5th birthday, my little guy is now a big school boy and I can't believe it's gone by so fast. I know every parent says that but it's absolutely true.

5 years ago this little guy came along...

and my whole world changed. Everything I had thought was important to me just wasn't anymore. Material stuff just became stuff. I got used to fingerprints everywhere and even smile when I see them on the windows when they're not home with me. I got used to the sleep deprivation. I even got used to no longer being able to be spontaneous. I just didn't care about any of that stuff anymore, because I had this little guy to look after.

And he's always been gorgeous...

And as his personality has developed I couldn't have been more proud of him. He's thoughtful, sensitive, sweet and loving, so much so that he often makes me want to cry at his beauty. He's not particularly adventurous at times and takes a while to get into something, but when he does he goes at it with everything he's got.

And now he's 5. Unbelievable.

Friday was his birthday and he spent the morning before kindy opening presents...

In the afternoon at kindy he had a little graduation ceremony. He wore a cap and gown (and yes I do have a video of it) and received his certificate and yearbook. He then handed out lollies to his friends and got a special Thomas train he'd wanted as he couldn't have a bag of lollies like the others (we've found out he's got an intolerance to sugar and could be pre-diabetic so we've cut it out of his diet as much as possible). He had a great last day and it was with mixed emotions that we left kindy that day.

Then on Saturday he had his birthday party. Due to my back I pretty much sat like a couch potato through it (thanks so much to mum who did it all and hurt her knee in the process :( ) but I did manage to get a photo of his party animal brother...

He kept bringing the hat to me for me to put it on him and wouldn't let anyone take it off. So cute... :)

And then this morning we had this...

All dress up in his school uniform ready for his first day at school.

He let me take the obligatory photos and then we were off to school. I thought he'd cry. I thought I'd cry. I couldn't believe how quickly he settled into his new classroom. He was keen to participate, followed instructions and even encouraged his friend from kindy Renee to join in as well. He was happy. I was happy. I was proud, so so proud. I love this little boy with all my heart and am so proud of the person he's becoming. School is the big step forwards, he's there to prepare for adult life until he's ready to go get a job. It's a big step for both of us. For me it's time to let go of that pre-schooler hanging around my legs and annoying the hell out of me in the nicest possible way. For him it's his first tentative steps towards more independence away from us.

I didn't get upset when I left him there as he bounced happily off to his first ever school assembly, I know he'll be well looked after and excited to see me and tell me about his day when I pick him up. It's only now, as I write this, that the emotions of this all are starting to sink in.

So I'll just say this, proud doesn't even start to describe how I feel about this boy who is my whole heart.

Phew...

Step aside for a mo and I'll share a box I made for my lovely friend Deb's birthday the other day. She is a cook extraordinnaire so I created a recipe box keepsake for her, and here it is...

And finally an update on the retreat! It's getting so exciting and with a year to go I'm already wishing it was tomorrow! We have some amazing sponsors on board already, and I'll announce them over on the Paper. Scissors. Chocolate. Indulgence blog very shortly. Places ARE already filling up, registrations are already coming in and as places are limited I'd suggest booking and paying your deposit to secure your place as soon as possible.

I'll leave you now and have a wee sob... lol

L x

Comments

[Tanya Watson]

what a cutie back then and now in his uniform and hugs for you....and omg i love the box for debs

[lynne1.wordpress.com]

Wow that picture of Joshie close up is gorgeous. What a cute school boy you have there Louise.
And OMG lucky Debbie on that recipe box gift...that is gorgeous just like her.
Hope Joshie's first day goes well

[Hannah]

Ahhh, I spoke too soon! Just posted on your FB wall wondering how Joshie's first day of school went ... sounds like the drop-off was really good! I hope he had a fun day and was excited to tell you all about it when you picked him up. He looks so grown up in his uniform :-)

[Nikki]

Great pics Louise!! Wow a big school boy now, his brain will go into overdrive with all the learning he'll do but it's very cool to watch them develope and learn.

[http://picklespatch-sonya.blogspot.com/]

Hmmm... just left you a long message and lost it! So in brief I LOVE your photos, words and the lovely recipe box...lucky Deb!