When silence sets in...

5 years already. For 5 years, my house was full of laughter and tears, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A mum at home, even if she works, is lucky enough to enjoy that energy every day.

Today there was silence as you climbed the big steps to the school bus. It's a classic - all the kids go to kindergarten and all the mums film the first few moments and then go and cry in secret.

This morning you were confident and looking forward to your first day at school. You couldn't wait to get on the bus. You didn't even look back.

Me, wanting to immortalise the moment, didn't press the record button on my phone. Instead, wanting to stop the recording after you left, I started it up and slipped the phone into my pocket. The result: I filmed the bottom of my pocket with a soundtrack of Mum crying and Dad trying to console her.

I'm going to start again tonight when you get back. I can't wait to hear you laugh again. But you know, in the end I'm going to enjoy this new-found solitude. On the other hand, I'm going to have to practise because I've forgotten how to do it.

I wish you a wonderful first day of what will now become our routine for the next 12 years. I hope you find your place and enjoy every moment.