first last day of school

Y'all, where did my babies go? How can this possibly be the difference in October to May--not even a whole year?

Today was the last day of Mother's Day Out for this year, and I am dumbfounded by how much B&F have grown and changed over the last seven months. In October I had babies who would wear what I picked out and stand relatively still for a picture. Now I have big kids who are independently minded and prefer not to match. The first time I took them, they clung to me and cried giant tears, making it so difficult to leave. Now they hurry me along and can't wait to get to school, and tell me stories all afternoon about their friends and activities.

While they've learned countless "academic" lessons this year and really, really enjoyed music time, the most important thing they have learned is resilience. They have found that it's okay if mommy leaves...she always comes back. They have learned that new things may be scary, but usually turn out to be fun. They have learned that they can play with other children, not just each other. According to their teachers, they have learned that friends have the power to comfort and distract, and their natural inclinations toward empathy are already developed. And they have found that when things get sad or lonely and mom isn't around, having each other is the best possible cure.

I am so proud of my little monkeys' first year at "school." And while it's adorable when they sing the alphabet or point out a color, I'm most excited about the life lessons already instilled in these two precious souls.