Backpacks and Bravery

Today my little, big, boy headed off for his first day of school.  He was excited and ready to go! 

On the way to school he kept saying his teacher's name and quoting Nemo, "First Day of School!  First Day of School!"  (He loves that movie.)  He looked adorable as he headed into the building with his Daddy.  I started getting so nervous for him.  What was about to happen??  Would he be scared?  Would he not want to go in the room?  Would he hang on to my leg and refuse to let go?  Would I have to leave my crying, scared baby with people he doesn't really know?  Help...my heart was pounding so fast as we approached the room.  I said, "Have fun at school."  And then it happened...he walked into the room.  The teacher told him that "we always wash our hands when coming to school".  I heard Nate say, "Wash hands Momma."  I could no longer see him.  What should I do??  He was off washing his hands...did he know I was leaving?  Would he be scared?  Then his teacher smiled BIG and said "Congratulations!  He did great!"  And that was it.  Randy and I walked away.  I did it...I mean HE did it.  He and his super cute little backpack walked into the classroom and started his journey! 

I can't wait to hear about his day!  It won't belong now.  After all, he only goes twice a week for 3 1/2 hours.  ;)

********************UPDATE********************

Nate had a great day!  He was a helper and seemed very happy and well adjusted when I picked him up!!

HaHa!

I find this hilarious and kind of sweet all at the same time.  Hahahahahahaha!

Sooner or Later

There was no doubt "it" would happen.  The question was just "Will it be sooner or later?" 

Today marked the first day of the "turn your back on Mom while she tries to wake you for school" move.  Yep, you all know that move.  I knew today would be tough on Zachary and probably every other teacher and student who started school on Monday.  That 3rd day is just a killer.  It took a good 5 minutes to get Z out of bed this morning, and finally he darted out of bed once Nate was jumping all over him!  Everything took longer this morning, but he was all ready with exactly 1 minute to spare. :)

Today also marked the first day that Nate cried when Bubba and Daddy left for school/work.  He was so sad.  He had that pathetic cry that nothing but a big bowl of ice cream can comfort...you know that cry.  So sad...
And No...I didn't give him that bowl of ice cream...just a lot of kisses!

Morning Routine

Ahhhh...the dreaded morning routine is BACK!  The start of a new school year = the start of morning structure and routine.  There is no time to relax in the morning...up and at 'em!

We learned once Zachary started Kindergarten, that he was in need of a morning schedule.  We sat down and discussed why on earth we couldn't seem to get out of the house on time and without frustration in the mornings.  And though I wasn't fond of it at first, we found a routine that works for Z.  (I wasn't fond of it, because it requires him to get dressed before eating and brushing his teeth.  Yep, his shirt often leaves the house already dirty!!)

He wakes up 40 minutes before he needs to walk out the door.  Straight to the restroom and then clothes must be put on...including shoes.  Sit down for breakfast with no TV or other entertainment...other than a crazy 2 1/2 year old!  Then it's off to spend some time brushing teeth and hair.  Once he's done, if there is any time left, he can turn on the TV.  He is such a slow eater that this doesn't often happen!!

He thrives with this routine.  He loves knowing what needs to be done and feels successful every morning.  It is extremely rare to have a frustrating morning, and the only time he isn't on time (not actually late for school) is now happily blamed on Daddy!  Randy takes Z to school every morning unless he's out of town.  He works about 30 seconds from the school, so that's fair. :)

So why did I sound a bit negative about the morning routine way up there in the first paragraph??  Because I'm not a morning person...I need coffee and TV!  But for the next 9 months, I will be up and at 'em making sure our mornings are smooth and happy!  Two days down...

************UPDATE*************

I only have one kiddo to get ready in the morning and off to school.  You Mommas and Daddys that have more...Bless You!  You are Superstars!!

BTW...Z's first day was great.  More on that later.

First Day of School

I think Nemo says it best... "First day of school! Wake up! Come on. First day of school."

Today my Zachary starts 2nd grade!  He was super excited, and I can only assume a little nervous. ;)  I thought he looked super cute this morning as he walked all the way to the end of the 2nd grade hall to find his new classroom.  He settled into his seat and seemed ready to take on the day.  I took a few pictures, said goodbye and headed out feeling happy for him.  Nate headed out with a loud "Bye, Bye Bubba!"  We can't wait to hear all about it. 
The best part about this year for me is that I don't have to worry about the little things anymore.  He knows how the school "works".  He can take care of his own needs and knows how to seek out help when needed.  Have a great day kiddo...You Rock!  Miss you already :)
 

Nate just had to be in the picture!

He looks worried, but never fear...it was just the sun hurting his sensitive blue eyes!

AJ ready for 3rd grade and Z ready for 2nd!!

Don't worry Mom...I'm going to have a GREAT day!

BTW...I'm hoping to start blogging more again.  I went to log in this morning and almost couldn't remember my password!!

She Said...He Said

Nate was so tired today after playing at the park all morning.  We came home and he took a bath and had lunch.  He was ready for a nap much earlier than normal.  I know it's hard to believe, but he was actually talking about his nap!  So I put him down for an early nap, but he kept calling me to his room.  He was tricking me by say that he had to go "poo-poo".  He knows that's the only thing that will get him out of his room at nap time!! :)  After a few 'fake attempts', I explained to him that it was nap time and he wasn't to call me anymore.  I told him, "Nate, It's nap time!"  Then I asked,  "What time is it , Nate?"  He just looked at me.  I then told him to repeat after me "It's nap time."  He said nothing.  Finally, with frustration in my voice I said yet again, "It's nap time Nate.  What time is it?"  He answered with a huge smile on his face, "It's 8 o'clock Mommy...8 o'clock!"  I had to laugh :)

(...and yes, he did finally take his nap.)