First Days

Well, we made it through the first week of school. Jake is an official first grader. He has never been one to get the first day jitters, so it was smooth sailing the first day. He wasn't even nervous, just excited. A few days before I had taken him school supply shopping and he thought that was really cool. He loved looking at all the stuff and organizing it in his pencil box. Remember when that's all it took to get you excitied? A few pencils and some scissors? He loved his school supplies so much, he tried to take them back home at the end of the first day, but his teacher reminded him they stay at school in his desk.

 Toward the end of last year, when Jake got off the bus, Ty picked him up in the Gator. It was so cute to see Ty out waiting for him, and Jake getting off the bus, getting a ride with his little brother driving. On Jake's first day, Ty said he didn't feel like picking him up, so we waited for him on the porch. When Jake got off, Ty ran out to greet him. He was so happy to have Jake home. They started talking and walking up to the house together. I was in tears it was so cute. I loved watching them carrying on their little conversations about the day. Ty looks up to Jake so much. I was so mad at myself for not having my camera ready, but I don't think I will ever forget them walking up to the house together or Ty running to greet him. The next day my mom asked Ty if he missed Jake. He said "no, but I still love him".

When I asked Jake about his first day, he said he liked writing and he was glad because he didn't have to read. It is so hard to get him to open up about his day. When I ask him, he tells me he doesn't remember. He'll only go into detail about gym, the playground, or lunch. Such a typical boy.

We made it to school on time all four days last week. I walked him in each day, which means I had to be dressed and ready each morning. Of course it helped that my mom and Bob were here for 2 of the mornings, so I had help with the kids. This past week, I have just let him out front of the school and he has walked in by himself. It is a strange feeling not having to be there for him and help him do things. It's hard to let go and not know what he is doing throughout the day. He told me today he likes walking in by himself. Granted it's a lot easier for me as well, not having to be ready, getting Ty and Collin out, and carrying Collin all the way through the school. Those damn Chicco carseats weigh 20 pounds without a baby in them.

Everything seems so easy with Jake. He seems to adjust well to new things and is ready for anything. I am grateful for this because I have enough on my plate with Tyler. His first day of preschool is a whole different story. I have been dreading it all summer and with good reason. My little mama's boy still doesn't make it through church Sunday school. A few weeks ago, he fell asleep, face on the floor, butt in the air. He probably got tired waiting, because he does not participate. The past week at S.School he stood by the door the entire hour and fifteen minute service. He only joined the group for snack, then made is way back to the door to wait.

So, Ty's first day was Tuesday.I'm usually good about finding books for whatever it is we have going on: new baby, going to the beach, seasons, ect. For some reason, I was not prepared with first day of preschool books. Not that it would have helped any. I remember getting them for Jake, who really wasn't nervous about preschool anyway. But, with Ty it slipped my mind. I also didn't really shop with him the way I did when it was Jake's turn at preschool. I remember taking him out picking out his cute little backpack and clothes. It seemed like whatever I did wouldn't have mattered anyway, he was not the least bit excited about going. We talked a lot about it with him, and it really helped having Jake tell him things that he remembered and enjoyed about preschool.

So the night before, he seems alright about going. I knew better. The next morning, he gets up and announces to me that it is his first day of school. I still know better. We drop Jake off and head home to get ready. He tells me now that he does not want to go. I'm thinking to myself here we go- let the fun begin.

I somehow managed to get him to eat breakfast and get him dressed, but the whole time he was repeating over and over "I don't want to go" along with some crying to really add some drama. The whole car ride is crying and some more "I don't want to go." Oh wait, I have to back up. I forgot about the phone call to David with me in tears saying "I don't want to take him." I was so frustrated, sad, and determined all at the same time. When we got to school, I opened the car door and he is screaming. Parents are looking and I don't know what to do. I peeled his fingers from the car- he was frantically looking for anything to grab onto. I start heading for the school and his teacher meets me in the parking lot. She asked me if I just wanted her to take him. I had visions of walking him in, but I knew it would just be worse if I went any farther. I am crying as she peels him off me. Other kids are calmly walking by with their moms and dads, I might add. At times like these, I wonder why David isn't here. When is a job more important? Mrs. W, his teacher tells me she will call me, and I ask her when do you throw in the towel and deem them not ready to attend preschool- it's 2 weeks.

So, I'm back in the van, wore right out. I'm not sure what to do now, so I head to where I know I will feel better: Target. Collin and I walked around for 2 hours. I felt so much better having him to snuggle and keep me company. $100 dollars later and I am ready to pick up Ty. When I got to the school, I got to watch him on the playground. He was running around and looked just like a normal preschooler. It was such a joy and relief to see him having fun. They told me he cried for about a 1/2 hour and then all of a sudden decided to play trucks. Just like a switch he was fine. He was so proud of himself when I picked him up. And this boy loves to talk. When I ask him about his day, he will give me an answer. He said is favorite part were the songs: bubble gum and hot potatoe. He also liked playing on the playground.

I had to take some after school pictures so they wouldn't all be of him crying. Look how happy! It was a long, stressful day and he passed out on the couch by 6:45. He couldn't even eat dinner. My little Ty really knows drama, but what would life be without it? Boring. Besides, how else is Target going to stay in business?