Another new start.

Youngest started school today.

I have to spare a mention for oldest, he seems to have the rough enough of the stick at the moment as the world seems to be focused on her and he is struggling a lot. On holiday it was all about how gorgeous she was and he was an after thought meaning that we tried to make more of him but that wasn't the same to him and he was openly jealous and so naughty as a result. Once we got back it was all about preparing for his birthday and we hoped this would give him some perspective as well as reinforce the idea that he has to take turns to be the focus of attention. But now his birthday is over and the wrapping paper and cake almost finished it is all about going back to school. He just has a weekend treat with his grandparents to go so I am hoping that will help.

(The birthday celebrations were understated but happy with oldest liking all his presents and his cake. I am not sure which was his favourite between the CD player and the skateboard but he did love his dinosaurs).

Except he is going back to school and she is starting a new school. He has a new class, a new teacher and all that comes with moving up a year but the school is familiar, so is the uniform, the format of the day, the meals and even the playground. For youngest is is all new. I had to remind oldest that last year the fuss was on him when started reception but he doesn't recall that and if he does he is choosing not to reflect it to what is happening today.

They both looked really smart in the new school uniform this morning, They both had shiny new shoes, bags with no scuffs and nothing was screwed up or covered with food/paint/pen. I can't reconcile the 2 children I saw this morning with the terrified toddlers we met in January 2013. I have the photos and I have lived the last 2 and a half years but I still can put the 2 images together and conclude that they are the same children. Their Daddy took them to school complete with P.E. kits and completed homework and they went in with no fuss, excited to be there. Hopefully they will come home as happy. I am expecting them to be worn out.