Back to School: The Real One This Time

Today was the day. After a year and a half of remote learning, Zoom calls, and me pretending I could teach math while working night shifts, my babies got on an actual school bus and went to an actual school building. Sophie started middle school (sixth grade, how is that even possible) and Theo started first grade, which feels impossible since he was literally just learning to walk five minutes ago.

Back to School: The Real One This Time

I had their outfits laid out for three days. I made their lunches with little notes that said ‘You’ve got this!’ because apparently I’m that mom now. Sophie rolled her eyes but I saw her smile. Theo asked if dinosaurs went to school and when I said no, he asked if he could bring his T-Rex for emotional support. Compromise: one small triceratops in his backpack.

The bus came at 7:23 AM exactly. Sophie got on like she’d been doing it her whole life, all confident and middle-school cool. Theo waved from every window until I couldn’t see him anymore. And then I ugly-cried in the driveway for a solid five minutes while Marcus pretended he didn’t see me falling apart.

The aftermath. Still processing.

The house is so quiet I can hear the dishwasher running. Biscuit keeps looking for them. I keep looking for them.

They’re going to come home with stories and new friends and maybe some germs but definitely some independence. I’m proud and terrified and so ready for them to experience the world again. Even if it means I have to figure out what to do with myself for the next six hours.