Happy first day of school little Benjamin. Don't hop too far from the burrow.

Today is Benjamin's first day of school. It's been a huge decision, and a lot of back-and-forth has gone in to putting him in this early. He is only around two and a half years old (never been to specific on the months etc - no idea, would need to pull out a calendar) but he really is advanced for his age. Not in a 'Malcolm in the Middle' sort of way. He has an older sibling and Noah has absolutely no patience. Ben has been forced to communicate way before regular development, with Nu as his biggest fan and cheerleader.

Ben has been talking since I can remember. He speaks in full sentences and impresses all the other nannies, parents and teachers that he meets. He is potty trained, hasn't made a number two in a nappy since I can remember. Maybe even before his second birthday. Benjamin is likely to walk up to you and say "Hi, I'm Ben.. do you have any num-nums? Shame. Do you want to come sit here? Careful the crayfish. He will bite you." While Ben has excellent language skills, Noah has incredible music, drama and memory skills. They complement one another so well. Ben's empathy and understanding of human emotion and behavior is what impresses the socks off of me. His sense of humor is also so... mature? While Bunny is advanced for his age (thanks to having a persistent, bright and eager older sibling) in so many ways, he is still a baby boy. He likes to sleep by his mommy. He likes his botty and teddies. 

I felt horrible leaving Ben with the nanny every day. It never bothered me before, but lately I could see Ben was getting bored. All kids get bored right? Over time I could see his personality go a bit limp. Lazy. Almost sad. If he had a psychologist with those little flash cards for depression, then they would have booked little Benjamin in to toddler depression sessions faster than a rabbit to a carrot. He was losing his shiny stuff. They only had space for him in the 'baby' class - 18 months to 2.5 and I refused because I know he'd regress. After some wiggling and convincing, Bunny started in the 'big' boy class today - boys turning 3. 

Noah you have been over the moon excited. Last night I was packing your lunches and you were dancing around the kitchen like a crazy child. You've been prepping and fussing over your little brother for days. You've been an informant on the intricacies of the playground facilities ("Is there a slide? A swing? Toys?") and general school activities. You've been talking to Ben about his lunch bag - "The juice goes here, I like to keep mine in my locker, and the bread is here... You must ask for a spoon for your yogurt if mommy forgets sometimes hey." You really are lucky to have such an attentive and caring older brother. He has been fussing over you more than anyone else, and trust me mommy can fuss. 

I felt so sorry for Miriam this morning. You were *completely* overwhelmed with excitement and when the nanny walked in this morning, you noticed her and shouted "NO MIRIAM, go home, I'm going to SCHOOL." You obviously took her presence as a threat, but Miriam will still be at home for us every day - taking care of things and so mommy has back up. I really hope that you don't get too sick at school, because  Noah got loads of coughs, sniffles and rashes in the beginning.

We made a lovely breakfast of sausages, fruit salad and french toast with peanut butter. Usually it is weet-bix or oats for you boys, because motherhood. 

You walked in to school full of pride and gusto. You greeted everyone and even the principal came round to give you a special hello. You flocked in to your class, found friends, sat down and got busy. I packed your favorite bunny and botty and blankie for comfort -even your favorite pillow from home. Noah insisted on walking you to your class, and went to show you his one too - right next door. He promised to go check on you a few times a day and can't wait to show you all his friends and toys. You didn't cry, you said goodbye to me and Graeme. Your teacher is warm and friendly and affectionate. I can't wait to see you later and hear all about it, I really can't. I'm a very emotional mommy today, and I'm so proud of both of you.