Dear Levi,
Today you started School with your first day at Nursery. I remember this time last year thinking about how it would be your turn in a year and how that year has flown. You’re a sensitive wee boy, so I wasn’t surprised that last nights bedtime was challenging and that you ended up in our bed early this morning – your sense of excitement and fear were naturally running really close and fast around your tiny three year old body.
I looked over at you sleeping at 6:30am and you looked so small, nestled in between your dad and I. You have me to thank for being sensitive, I’ve been excited and fearful for you leading up to this day as well.
Last night I ironed little nametags into your school clothes and couldn’t believe we are here already. Now I am sitting at home in the quiet of our house having dropped you off. Daddy is at work and I am ignoring the pile of washing in the basement because I wanted to mark this day with my thoughts spilled out. I wonder what kind of mother this new stage of life will show me to be?
We couldn’t think of a better Nursery for you to start your formal schooling in. It feels like family, and we can already tell that it is only going to add to the fun learning that you so naturally do at home with us. At one point, mummy and daddy considered keeping you at home to learn, but weighed up the options and realised that there are lots of fun things that you might like to know about that we don’t really know. I hope that you will love going to School and understand with your head and your heart how your new school is committed to respecting your rights and giving you space to explore just like at home. Everyone that loves you sees how bright you are, and they quickly will too.
We know it’s hard to adjust to a new place with all new faces, so take your time. It’s ok if you miss us. It’s ok because we miss you too but we know that your teachers are kind and loving. I can’t wait to hear all about the things you are doing for these few hours each day. Maybe nursery will be the place you finally decide to drink milk?
Today when I brought you to School I felt so proud. You were so handsome in your (slightly big for you) tracksuit uniform. I watched you walk into the classroom and take stock. It’s ok to be cautious Levi – I admire that you’re a slow burner like your daddy. I know you were nervous (I was too), take your time and don’t feel rushed to be ‘settled’.
We hope you will get to know some of the other boys and girls. There are children from many different cultures and faiths in your class and I am so happy that you will get to learn about them and hopefully be part of helping them feel at home here in Northern Ireland. Lots of those children are here because their mummies and daddies know that School can give us great opportunities in life. We are so blessed to have found a school that understands education in the way that we do as a family. It won’t always be painting, playdough and sandboxes but I want you to know that we will always listen to how you feel about school.
I’m going to pick you up as soon as I finish this cup of tea (that I have miraculously drank whilst still hot and in one sitting). As we always say, be kind and have fun. I imagine you already are.
All my love,
Mummy
Mel Wiggins 
Wee pet. Breaks my heart that this is the start of my guy becoming more independent from me and having to trust others to teach him and care for him. I watched him wait to talk to his teacher with hearts in his eyes for her and lots to tell her while she was chatting with other mummies. I couldn’t bear that she didn’t drop everyone else to be excited to see him. Sob!
AH! Heather – totally hear you on this one. Each day I’m waiting for the teacher to gush about him to me for ages but alas, she’s in a frenzy of other children and parents! It’s heartbreaking to let go just this little bit, but already I do sense he is better for it in loads of ways. Hope your guy is settling well – maybe we’ll finally get a play date one of these years! xo
Aw Mel, he’s such a cutie, loved this letter to him, hope he got on well x
feel myself identifying with all of you here, including Levi, beautifully written x
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This is simply beautiful. You should put a warning on this – may need tissues!!! I blubbed the whole way through it, it was so beautifully written and I read it imagining your sweet voice reading it aloud! You are an amazing mum Mel and Levi is so blessed xxx
As are you my love. Tissues needed all round for sure! xo
*sniff* No. just something in my eye, honest! Lovely post, hope it is going well for you all.
Aw Katherine, I haven’t even brought myself to re-read that post since I wrote it cause it might set me off again!xo
How very touching, but please enjoy it the happiness and the sadness because before you know it he will be all grown up and away to uni. Only seems like yesterday since I was feeling this way when mine started school, now they are all grown up one with 2 boys , and the other just married this year. Please print of this letter and put it away with all the others things that I think you will have saved for him, known you Mel that will be lots I’m sure…this letter proves the undying love of a good Mum xxxxxx
Thanks Mary, hard to believe and everyone tells me it really does go so quick from here in! Much love to you and yours xo
Errgghh, Bella started last week too, every morning! I am still fretting that its too much for her and us to be so structured, when perhaps she could go to a nursery for longer days but maybe 2-3 days a week and still have proper mummy and Bella time for some whole days a week…. I can’t decide whether it’s me or her that need it the most though! After three and a half years of moaning I needed more of my own time, this seems to have come too soon!
p.s. amazingly beautifully written post. Can relate to every word xx
Oh Becky, it’s so hard isn’t it?! I am really enjoying the flexibility of my mornings but it’s hard to imagine someone else giving them the attention that we’ve given them so solidly for 3 years! WAH! Waterworks! x
Oh, look at his little face! I’ve just realised that I always comment on Facebook now (lazy), so I’ve come over to leave some love here instead. I remember when Ben went off to pre-school for the first time; he ran in and I walked home crying like a baby. He looks so proud, bless him. Hope he had a fab time!