Another "First" (sort of!)

Today was the big day for Grayson and Mommy! I know it's not real school, as in Kindergarten, but it was Grayson's first day away from mommy and home routines. Grayson is going to Pre-K 4 this year and he was so excited this morning. I awoke early, when the clock still had a 6 on it, and got ready first so that we wouldn't be late. I had a few practice runs for school mornings when Grayson did Summer Camp at the church and I had to be at work. I learned that in order for us to be on time for 8:30, I had to get up and be ready first. I knew this day was coming, but I've put it off as long as possible. Did you know that you can stay in your pj's long past noon some days if you schedule it just right?! I'll miss those days, but they are replaced with excitement and new adventures.

I had set his clothes out the night before, all ironed and ready to go. The snack and plastic yellow cup for water was in his new lunchbox. The backpack was loaded down with his new supplies. His "homework" man was dry and ready to be taken in. As he watched one cartoon this morning, I made him chocolate chip pancakes in Mickey ear shapes of course. We were all ready, took pictures out front, and were at school on time!!

This was his first assignment given to him at Open House. The "man" needed to look like him. He did a great job!! I am proud of us both! I resisted the urge to help, except for the glue, and I'm proud of teh job he did all by himself. He was pretty excited how it turned out too!!

He walked right into his room only to find he had a new seat assignment. He wasn't rattled at all. We hing up the backpack and lunchbox on the "Grayson" hook and then he found his name at his new table and sat down. Daddy took a quick picture and we left after last kisses, and a few parting words "have fun, make a new friend, be a good listener, see you at lunch!" We were outta there as the same parents lingered who were there when we arrived to drop off. We did as we were told at Open House...please drop them off, give a kiss, and just leave so the transition is as smooth as possible, I'll call if we're experiencing a meltdown!

The hardest part of just being down the hallway is the detours I take to avoid walking in front of his room all day long and the resisting the urge to just go 15 steps and peek in on him!! It was the hardest part, but knowing that I want him to get adjusted before I come visiting, I'll resist the urge to see how he's doing. I'll wait until at least the first of October!! Plus, I know how things are as a teacher, and having parents pop in always made me nervous and usually set the kids reeling and not always in a good way!!

I loved hearing his first comment, "I had a fun day today!" That was music to my ears. Although I had to keep plugging away with questions to get more information from him about the day, I know it was an absolute success!! WAHOO!! He was even ready to go back the next day.

One of my favorite things is being on the other side of school stuff. I totally know the teacher perspective, but now I get to experience the other side, and that of a parent. I admit it might be a little harder than I thought to just go with the flow, not ask too many "what's up with this or that?", adn just accept things for face value. One of my favorite things though is going to be on the receiving end of the "homework folder". I loved looking through his backpack today adn pulling out that folder that he so carefully chose and peering inside to see what was waiting for me!! He had his first bring home sheet that I will definitely be putting in the scrapbook!!

Can you spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S !!!!!!