And off he goes, my second born.

My first boy.

The one who begged for me to rock him to sleep. 

The one who nursed the longest.

A true mama’s boy.

My little buddy.

He was there for me when my first went off.

He was there for me when the 3rd came home.

Close to me even though his world is always changing.

Change is all he has known and he embraces it with ease. 

Those big eyes sink me in when we talk at night.

“Will you sweep with me for just 10 minutes?” How can I say no. 

He’s off to pre-k for the first time, so proud and strong.

The world will get to see now what I see.

The excitement, the adventure, the kindness he holds.

He ran into the room, inhibitions thrown to the wind. 

I had to grab him for a hug.

“Oh right,” he said. “Bye mom.”

“Bye,” I squeaked, as number 3 pulled me down the hall.

My little buddy. 

My first son.

And off he goes.