11 years down, many more to go

I can't believe that Chris and I have been married for 11 years today. So much has changed since we wed: Chris has his PhD, I got my business qualification and have almost finished my BA, children (of course) and even Bandit has only been with us for 9 years. Looking back I wouldn't change a thing (apart for Chris's love of skinny black leather ties).
In other, more exciting news, Kieran has finished his first week of school. He eased into it beautifully, allowing me to leave after 20 minutes the first day. Admittedly this is because I hinted that Cameron was naughty and might ruin his first day of school. Alas, my imminent tears were derailed by Cameron turning into a shrieking, writhing gobshite and by the time we arrived at Playcentre the teary crisis had been averted. Subsequent days have gone well, and Kieran is looking forward to Monday when he has swimming. On Waitangi day we went to Cornwallis beach for a paddle and then over to the wharf so Kieran could try fishing. Alas we caught nothing but the boys had a blast.

Lasts

As Kieran has grown up we have experienced a number of lasts. Some we didn't realise were lasts at the time - the last breastfeed, the last staggering walk before mastery was achieved overnight, the last gummy smile before the first tooth popped through. Those I remember with a sense of guilty loss and regret that I didn't cherish them more at the time, though they were enjoyed at the time. But now we approach the bigger lasts. Kieran had his last day of kindy yesterday. As they sat there on the mat and Kieran chose the book for mat time, sang the 'happy school days to you' song and handed my gowned and cap son a scroll and bible I reflected that there would be many more bittersweet moments in the future. On Monday Kieran starts at Oratia primary - something he is really looking forward to. And so we continue with our firsts. Our first laugh, smile, steps, tooth are shifting to become first book read, first day of school, first best friend, first girlfriend etc. It's a reminder to me to enjoy these moments and days because they come and go so fleetingly. I want to look back on more happy memories not regretful "wish-I-had's". Let's make it so :)