The Fifth Fam has reached another
milestone. We sent our oldest off to JK for the first time last
week. And with all the uncertainties, bussing dilemmas, before and
after school childcare headaches, I’m not sure who was more
confused and stressed out...him or us?? The therapy bills in years to come should be quite interesting.
Yes, last week was an emotional roller
coaster for all of us. I truly thought I’d be more emotionally
prepared for the “first day of school” given that Gavin has been
in all day childcare with other rug rats his own age for over a year
now. Man was I wrong...like big time. Watching him walk down the
same streets I walked down as a kid, with his big back pack that is
almost as big as he is, brought tears to my eyes. Then we reached his
school, my alma mater and his grandma’s before me. He stood in
front of the school sign, that seemed to tower over his tiny frame, and actually let us snap a few pictures,
which is quite a feat for my camera shy boy. His smile beamed from
ear to ear. He was so proud. He couldn’t wait to get in there. I
was amazed by his confidence and independence. Every once in awhile
you have these moments throughout parenthood where you think to yourself, “holy
shit...I’m doing something right”. This was definitely one of those moments.
We were greeted by lovely
teachers and staff. Although last week was a bit of a bumpy ride
throughout it all we have been surrounded by reassuring
staff/caregivers, friends, and family, letting us know that
everything would be alright. Sometimes I need to hear that about 100
times before I actually believe it.
Now we’re on to week two and
hopefully we’ll get a good routine going for ourselves. I’m
trying to get the hang of preparing lunches the night before...Martha
Stewart Mommy is NOT. What the hell did our mothers do before
Pinterest?? After last weeks staggered entry we are all glad to be
back to our full day schedule. And after much worry, a few
sleepless nights, and lots of wine to calm the nerves, we have bussing arranged to and from his daycare.
But who am I kidding? I had to see it to believe it so this morning
in true covert operational style I got in my car and waited
discretely to watch him get on his bus (I swear I think private
investigation is my true calling). Then pulled out and followed close
along behind as the bus carried my precious cargo all four blocks from his daycare to his school. Then watched
as one of the teachers helped the kids off and got them settled in
the school yard. Tears streamed down my face as I watched him get
off the bus with his proud little strut. Is he four going on
fourteen or what?? Turns out another mama at Gavin's daycare did the exact same thing this morning with her little girl who turns out is also going to Gavin's school...we had a good laugh about it. I told her straight out that I'm so glad that I'm not the only crazy paranoid mother out there!
Been home for about 2 hours now. Kids are exhausted and had a few tantrums already...and now for baths (thank you Daddy...as I rush to get this typed by the time bath time is over) and bed. Lunch is made and packed in the fridge. And tomorrow we do this all over again. This is gonna get easier...right??
