He shook hands at meet the teacher. He shook their hands. I mean when that happened I felt like asking for a picture was going to be way too interfering so I just backed off. It was him that wanted to tell his math/science teacher that she's also our next door neighbor. So I let him. I mean. He's just ... so grown!
He was a baby not that long ago. A baby. A tiny baby that spit up all the time that was always so, so, so happy. He had two bad nights of crying. The rest he was a pretty good baby. I mean two nights of crying. Two. He was such a good baby. He is such a good kid. He's mouthy and I swear he needs to learn when NOT to speak up but isn't that normal kid stuff? Isn't that socially normal?
I mean I'm supposed to want to tape his mouth shut. right? He's so bossy. And he worries about following the rules and getting in trouble and his siblings getting in trouble. Today in line at lunch he said to David ... personal space, David!
Sometimes I hear my words come out of his mouth and I'm all ... oh noooooo what I have done to you! Run away from me! But I'm having that kind of summer.
David ... David ... David. My man David.
David who you can't tell if he's happy or conniving behind that face. David, who you can't tell if he's listening even though he's looking right at you and nodding. David who is already reading and says really observant things but then who also has to be told no less than one hundred thousand times to put on his shoes!
He starts kinder tomorrow.
Kindergarten.
Which isn't so scary so much as it is the beginning. The beginning of the scary. I have maintained my entire motherhood they are only mine for this brief stint. And then everything is about pushing them out of the nest.
What happened to all the air in here? It seems to have been sucked out of the room.
I know that they still need me. It's kinder not advanced chemistry or a Rhodes Scholarship.
But it's the beginning. The beginning of all things new and wonderful. He will do great. He will love coming home and telling me about his adventures. He will love the rhythm and kindness and openness of his school and it's teachers. He will love Mrs. Blackwood. Because she is amazing.
He will love Mrs. G. Because she is amazing.
I am so grateful to specials teachers. They are the unsung heroes and the keepers of the time in these years. In a sea of brand new grades and teachers they are constant. What a blessing.
My kids are so blessed to have this experience. This sameness. Grady walks into school like a rock star. Knowing everyone.
It makes my heart so happy that he choose a seat next to the new kid (he moved in on Grady's birthday last year). That he befriended him.
It makes me think they are listening. I was always the new kid Grady. It was really hard to be new and not have friends. Please always be extra kind to the new kids.
And I really think he is.
Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow I'll write more because I'll have time. This block of time in the morning. With just me and J. Say a prayer for my kiddos and their teachers and for a lovely, lovely first day and a great school year.
Comments