Major Milestone! Niko goes to School

My baby boy took a big step today towards being a big boy.

Nikolai had his first day of school!

Alexander requested we watch a special episode of Nikolai's favorite 'show,' CocoMelon, in which the main character has his first day of school.  He talked Niko through the songs and drew comparisons to their school.  He told his little brother, "You don't have to be nervous!"

I was so glad Gammie spent the night and was there to help me get both boys ready, and to wrangle them in the lobby while I completed some last minute paperwork.

Alexander asked if he got to walk Niko to his classroom...of course!

He didn't even turn around to tell me goodbye. I was ok until we got to the car, and then I started to worry and miss him, and wonder if I rushed this transition.

 Alexander pointed out the ball area, telling his teacher that Niko is always saying, "bah! bah! bah!"  Niko heard him and went in and went right to the balls.  We slid away to let him acclimate to his new classroom.

At pick up, we found out that Nikolai cried on and off throughout the day, which is to be expected.  He liked the playground, and took a two hour nap.  Hopefully he will adjust to this new routine quickly.  With his social demeanor and his love for songs and learning, I am confident this is going to be great for him!

My mom and I spent the day running errands, enjoying a breakfast out, and a neighborhood walk.  I also went for a run- alone- and got a block away from the house when the school called.  Oh no.

The call wasn't about Nikolai though.  Apparently, Alexander was laying on the rug when a classmate tried to step over him, and stepped right on his face...brutal!

His teacher said he was so sweet when the girl got very upset over hurting him, ensuring her he knew it was an accident and he was okay. Oh my heart.

We have had some other milestones this week that are worth noting.

Most importantly, Adam and Emily got married!!!  While we weren't able to make it to South Dakota, it was so nice to attend my first wedding virtually.  I couldn't get enough of Adam's classic giddy shoulder shrugs.  Emily was stunning and the whole ceremony was just so genuine.

We love these two so much!

This was not how I had hoped to see the wedding, but I am grateful that technology helped me to participate in some capacity,

Immediately following the wedding, Nikolai gave me a huge fright.  He launched himself over the back of the couch and hit the tile headfirst.  I had just recently blocked the front of the couch with the coffee table to keep him safe, so my daredevil decided to up his game....Terrifying.

When I picked him up and tried to console him, massaging his neck and checking his pupils, he threw up all over both of us.  We immediately changed clothes and jumped into the car to head to the emergency room.

It was such a scary day, but I have so much to be grateful for.  First and foremost, I am grateful that, after two hours of observation, the doctor felt there were no signs of concussion.  I am so grateful that my mom was with me and able to stay with Alexander.  I am grateful for our local hospital having a separate pediatric emergency room so we were treated with the utmost respect, seen super quickly, and by doctors and nurses well-versed in pediatric care.

My living room now looks like this:

Yes- I got over there in time to stop him from going over the edge this time...pillows or no I am not playing that game again!

These boys definitely keep me on my toes