Ozzy's First Grade Adventure (and Why Tanner & I Are a Hot Mess)

Okay you guys, I'm still trying to process this. Like, how is it even possible that my sweet, sassy, hilarious Ozzy just started first grade? First grade!! I swear it was literally yesterday that she was a tiny little baby, and now she's walking into school with her backpack almost as big as she is, ready to take on the world. My heart, you guys. My heart is just bursting and breaking all at the same time. :,)

Tanner and I? We're a mess. A beautiful, proud, teary-eyed mess. If you saw the end of that Instagram post, you know exactly what I'm talking about. We tried to play it cool, we really did. But the second she walked through those doors, it was like a dam broke. I'm not even kidding, we were both tearing up in the car on the way home. It's just so much, you know? So many emotions wrapped up in one little human going off to school. It's a reminder of how fast time flies, how much they're growing, and how much we love them. It's a lot to handle for a mom's heart, and for a dad's too, even if Tanner tries to act all tough. Hahah.

This whole experience has got me thinking a lot about all the 'firsts' we go through as parents, and how each one feels like a new chapter. And honestly, I just wanted to share all my feels with you guys, bc I know so many of you are right there with me, going through these same big moments with your own little ones. It's a journey, and we're all in it together.

The Morning Jitters (Mine, Not Hers)

The night before, I could barely sleep. I was just replaying all these memories of Ozzy, from her first steps to her first words, and now her first day of first grade. I was so excited for her, but also just so sad that another stage was ending. I kept checking her backpack, making sure she had everything she needed, double-checking her outfit. Tanner was like, 'Lo, she's ready, you're ready, go to sleep!' But my brain just wouldn't shut off. I think it's bc you just want everything to be perfect for them, you know? You want them to feel confident and happy and loved. And even though I know she is all those things, the mom-brain just goes into overdrive.

Ozzy, on the other hand? She was cool as a cucumber. Woke up, got dressed, ate her breakfast, all with this little sparkle in her eye. She was ready for her big day. She's always been such a confident little girl, and I love that about her. It makes these transitions a little easier, but also a little harder bc it's like, 'Wait, you don't need me as much anymore?!' Hahah. I h8 that about myself, that little clingy part of me. But it's true! You just want to keep them tiny forever sometimes.

The Drop-Off: A Test of Strength

Getting to school was fine. We took some cute pictures, of course. She was posing like a pro, smiling from ear to ear. I was trying to keep it together, smiling for the camera, but inside I was just a puddle. We walked her to her classroom, met her teacher – who seems absolutely amazing, btw – and then it was time for the goodbye. She gave us both big hugs and kisses, said 'Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!' and just walked right in. No tears, no hesitation. Just pure excitement.

And that's when it hit me. Like a ton of bricks. She was so ready for this. She was so ready to learn and make new friends and just be a big kid. And as much as my heart ached a little bit, seeing her so happy and independent just made me so incredibly proud. Tanner and I exchanged a look, and I knew we were both thinking the same thing: 'Our baby is growing up.' We walked out of there trying to be strong, but the second we got to the car, the floodgates opened. I'm not even kidding, we both just sat there for a minute, wiping away tears. It's just so bittersweet, isn't it? You want them to grow and thrive, but you also want to freeze time.

Embracing the New Chapter (and the Quiet House)

Coming home to a slightly quieter house was definitely an adjustment. Stella and Cherry are still here, of course, keeping things lively, but there's a different energy when one of your main little people is off on their own adventure. I spent some time just tidying up, trying to distract myself, but my mind kept drifting back to Ozzy. Was she having fun? Was she making friends? Was she remembering where her cubby was? All the silly mom worries, you know?

But then I reminded myself that this is good for her. This is how she learns and grows and becomes the amazing person she's meant to be. And it's good for us too, as parents, to let go a little bit and trust that we've given her the tools she needs to succeed. It's a lesson in letting go, which is probably one of the hardest lessons for any parent. But it's also a lesson in trusting your kids, and trusting yourself that you've done a good job raising them.

I think it's super important to lean into these moments, even the emotional ones. To let yourself feel all the feels, bc it means you love your kids sm. It means you're present and invested in their lives. And that's a beautiful thing. So if you're a parent out there going through a similar milestone, whether it's preschool, kindergarten, or even college, just know that your feelings are valid. It's okay to be a little weepy, it's okay to be a little extra. It just means you care.

Celebrating the Little Wins (and the Big Ones!)

When Ozzy finally came home, she was buzzing with excitement. She had so many stories to tell – about her teacher, about her new friends, about what they learned. Her eyes were just sparkling, and that's all I needed to see. All those worries I had melted away. She was happy, she was thriving, and she was already loving first grade. We listened to every single detail, asked a million questions, and just soaked it all in. Those moments, when they come home and share their world with you, are just priceless.

We made sure to celebrate her big day. Nothing huge, just a special dinner, her favorite dessert, and lots of hugs and high-fives. It's important to acknowledge these milestones, I think, and make them feel special for the kids. Even if it's just a quiet moment at home, letting them know how proud you are of them goes a long way. It reinforces that school is a positive place, and that you're their biggest cheerleaders.

This whole experience has just reinforced for me how precious every single moment is. How fast they grow up, and how important it is to be present for all of it. Even the hard parts, even the teary goodbyes. It's all part of the beautiful chaos of parenthood. And honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm so incredibly grateful for my girls, for Tanner, and for this crazy, wonderful life we get to live. :,)

So here's to Ozzy, conquering first grade! And here's to all you parents out there, navigating these big life moments with grace (and maybe a few tears). You're doing an amazing job. Keep loving, keep supporting, and don't forget to give yourself a little grace too. We're all just figuring it out as we go, and that's perfectly okay. I love you guys sm!

My Top Tips for Surviving School Milestones (aka How I'm Coping)

• Let Yourself Feel It All: Don't try to be tough. If you need to cry, cry! It's a big moment for you too.
• Prepare Them (and Yourself): Talk about school, read books, visit the classroom if you can. For yourself, maybe plan a little treat or distraction for after drop-off.
• Trust Your Kids: They're often more resilient than we give them credit for. They'll adapt, they'll make friends, they'll learn.
• Celebrate Their Return: Be excited to hear about their day. Ask questions, listen intently. Make them feel seen and heard.
• Cherish the Memories: Take pictures, write down funny things they say. These are the moments you'll look back on and smile (and probably cry a little more).
• Lean on Your Partner/Friends: Tanner and I definitely leaned on each other. It helps to have someone to share those big emotions with.

Thanks for letting me share my heart with you guys. It means the world to me. XOXO, Lo