Wednesday, August 26, 2009

And ... He's Off!

Ahhh, the first day of school. Or rather, the first half day of kindergarten.

I'm still working on understanding why the first day is only a half day (or an hour in the case of preschool). The wee ones have been in daycare all day long forever, and it's more confusing to the kids I know to only go for a short time than it would be go just get the regular schedule started.

Then again, maybe I'm more concerned about my own convenience and not wanting to have to find something to do for only twenty minutes before I have to turn around and collect the wee ones again.

Regardless, Mister Man is officially a kindergartner. And he loved it. And he had a good day. Phew!

Boo to whoever broke my unspoken deal that the first day of school will be nice and sunny so we can take our outdoor first day of school photos. I'm filing an official complaint about the deluge today.











I do love the start of the school year, and I know I'm not alone. There are some pretty common reasons why we, as parents, look forward to this, but it's still fun to review them. So without further ado:

My Top Five Best Things About The First Day Of School

5. Oh finally, we're in a routine again. Finally. We aren't up too late, waking up early, eating lunch at odd times, missing needed naps, and the whining and general crankiness that results from being out of rhythm and routine. And I'm only mostly talking about the wee ones here.

4. This means that the horrible hot and sticky days of August are almost over. Ok, except this year when we really haven't had much of that whole hot and humid August thing. I wore jeans today. And it's not the first time that I've had to. I love fall though, and summer weather and I ... not so good of friends.

3. There is just so much potential that is there to be realized with this upcoming school year. The bright shining faces and excitement of the wee ones is contagious. I look back to see all that they did and accomplished the previous year, and I try to imagine what they'll look like at the end of this school year. Granted, much of what I imagine comes crashing down upon me as reality sets in, but I can pretend on this first day, right?

2. I finally have some me time. Or at least I do this year. Last year, I was stupid. S.T.U.P.I.D. I was worried that the wee ones on the bus at the same time would be -- how did I phrase it to the school again? Oh yes -- "just a little too much togetherness for them." And so I requested that Mister Man be moved to the afternoon. So every day, I had a wee one with me. I had zero time just to me. This year, Mister Man is all day, and Little Miss is in the mornings, so I have a lot of time (ok, except when I'm working) to get things done. And to take time for me. And I know I'm not alone in this one!

And the Number One Best Thing About The First Day Of School?

I have more friends. More moms who are going through the same thing I am and who don't look at me like I'm insane when panicking over having to find a second lunchbox to send snack in (seriously, SERIOUSLY I need to go buy a second lunchbox? *sigh*) or labeling each individual crayon because that's what our teacher asked us to do. And ohhh the potential for playdates just went up. With kids who are on the same schedule as us. I'm already eyeing up a little boy who loves dinosaurs nearly as much as Mister Man does.

And now? I'm off to go pack tomorrow's snack, lunch, fill two water bottles, and set out the school uniform before I collapse into bed. How's your transition to school going?

18 comments:

Hyacynth August 26, 2009 at 9:26 PM  

Our school transition is non-existant, but I'm thinking about late-enrolling the toddler so he can have a little structured learning time; that may be what he needs. What do you think about 2-year-olds in preschool?

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend August 26, 2009 at 10:08 PM  

Thanks so much for stopping by...I am not ready for Christmas either, but if I dont give some help now, there will be no time later....so I know that I am rushing it...but have had so much interest on my family blog that decided I might could help my new friends.

Cookie August 26, 2009 at 10:25 PM  

I am soooo jealous! We have 6 days left till school starts.
He looks so proud holding that umbrella :)

Claudya Martinez August 26, 2009 at 10:57 PM  

What about the lunchbox? Did you get the lunchbox?

Laura August 27, 2009 at 3:02 AM  

Ah he's a doll I love 5 year old kids so damn cute. Mine is included in that. :) Enjoy.

septembermom August 27, 2009 at 6:45 AM  

What a handsome young man! I'm glad that he had a good first day and you too! I agree that I look forward to finding my school mom friends again. You're so right that the potential for new challenges and success are exciting too.

morninglight mama August 27, 2009 at 7:22 AM  

I am SO with you on that wonderful list of reasons! I really love the consistency of the school year! (Although JAM is home sick from school... on the 4th day. Ugh.)

Your little guy is just so handsome, even under an umbrella!

Jennifer August 27, 2009 at 8:36 AM  

I am with you on your list! I think a routine is the best for me..

Anonymous August 27, 2009 at 8:48 AM  

He's so cute and looks like such a big boy! But you're right - first day of school photos should never have to include umbrellas.

WeaselMomma August 27, 2009 at 8:59 AM  

Yay! The first day went well. Enjoy a little alone time, you earned it.

That Girl August 27, 2009 at 9:04 AM  

I love this time of year too....so much excitement.

The Crazy Coxes August 27, 2009 at 9:05 AM  

Yea for the first day.
Congrats on a little time to yourself!

Here's a few added bonuses that you might not have thought of-

3) You can run errands and jump in and out of the car as fast as you want. Just walk right in the store! No waiting for someone to unbuckle and gather toys and snacks and stuff and slowly follow you in.
2) Go ahead - eat a cookie for breakfast. No one is around to beg for one too or lecture you on nutrition.
1) You can go to the bathroom ALONE! and anytime you want! No more announcing it to the kids in hopes that they get the message to not call your name for 30 seconds.
Leave the door open and unlocked too! Live on the edge!

Pat August 27, 2009 at 10:58 AM  

Yay! I'm so glad he loved it. What a cute little boy! I always took a picture of each of my sons standing in front of our front door on the first day of school, too. I could see their growth based on how far up the door their heads were.

Joe Todd August 27, 2009 at 1:56 PM  

With the start of school my grandkids will be "bored no more"

Jenn M August 27, 2009 at 8:13 PM  

Very cool.

Mine just went back today and I'm glad with the whole hour. Eases me into it. :)

Looks like he had fun!

Anonymous August 27, 2009 at 10:36 PM  

Umbrella or not, he looks adorable! Love the pictures!

I too love the fall and can't wait for cooler days! We have had an abnormal summer - rain and 60s one day, scorching hot and 90s the next . . . one or the other PLEASE!

And oh how I dream of days when I have an hour or two to myself - they may be 3 years down the road, but I am still dreaming about them!

Anonymous August 28, 2009 at 3:14 PM  

Do you live in Alabama? The school colors look like my daughter's old colors.

Michelle August 28, 2009 at 9:26 PM  

Hyacynth - It all depends on the kid. Little Miss went when she was two and loved it, but that's her personality. You'll figure out what's right for you! At least you know there are openings this year with the economy....

Teresa - Oh I can imagine there has to be a huge rush. You don't have the luxury of waiting!

Cookie - It will come soon! Little Miss starts on Monday (yay). Good luck with these last few days.

Unknown Mami - Ummm, I got *a* lunchbox. Which is now the snack lunchbox - a $9 sale lunchbox with no pthlates, BPA, etc. And I did go with the NEW version of the Laptop Lunch system. Fingers crossed it works well. It has two covered containers, and we're trying it out Monday, as it didn't arrive until today!

Laura - Thank you. Five year olds are awfully cute, aren't they? :)

Kelly - Aww, you are too kind. He did have a great first day. I can't wait to see how the rest of the year goes.

Dawn - Bummer on the home sick! There's something nasty going around. *I* was sick for the first day of school even. Here's hoping JAM is better soon!

Jennifer - Most definitely. It's so nice to have the structure, isn't it?

Shelly - Doesn't he? He's not my baby anymore! We're still cold and rainy here, but hopefully by Monday it will clear up for Little Miss's first day.

WeaselMomma - Alone time? HA! I still have Little Miss. And my job. And PTO stuff. There is no alone time until the Wednesday after Labor Day. How wrong is that?

That Girl - And a good kind of excitement at that... let's clarify!

The Crazy Coxes - Oooo, I forgot about the errand running. That's such a foreign concept. I will say that the wee ones are REALLY good about respecting my privacy when I'm in the bathroom or working. That's actually one I get year round!

Pat - That front door picture is key, isn't it? I love looking at them each year. Pretty soon they'll be as tall as the whole door.

Joe Todd - Ahhh, that's key isn't it? I've yet to run into the "I'm boooooooored" whines, but I know they're coming. And I am NOT looking foward to that.

Jenn - Ok so the hour works for some parents :) I sometimes wonder if I'm just a mean mom for being ok with them in school.

Nichole - Aww, thank you! Our summer has been the same. Not too many 90 degree days, but lots of cool and rainy. And don't miss out on today's days of fun by wishing them away for days of school and "free time!"

Anonymous - Nope, I'm in Chicago. The red and navy (and white) is a pretty common school uniform color. Luckily, that makes it easier to find. Generally!

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