Grayson's first day of school

Well today was the big day, and I can't believe we actually did it.

I remember when Grayson was first born and the thought of Kindergarten was such a distant big kid thing. Yet here we are and he seems so little!

I have to say for me the thought of having to do something at a specific time every day is actually more daunting than the respite from having one less child around that I imagined. It feels so structured! I can only begin to imagine how it must feel for Grayson.

This morning it was all business to try and get everyone out the door by 7:30. Ironically for the last 5.5+ years Grayson has awoken anywhere from 5-6(at the absolute latest) yet starting last week he has been sleeping in until almost 7 each day. I never imagined a 7:45 start time being a problem.

I wasn't sure what to expect up at school so I tried to prep Grayson as best as I could. On the way there he told me "mom I'm feeling a little unsure and nervous about this whole school thing". We talked about it, and although I am not really sure I did anything to abate the feelings I know he felt worlds better just being able to say his thoughts out loud, especially when I assured him that just about everyone in his class would be feeling the same way - even his teacher! I think once he could see this on everyone's faces he felt if not better at least not alone.

When we drove up and parked at the school, I was grateful that Grayson already knew a large majority of his small class. Walking to the playground there were quite a few "Hi Grayson's" and I felt so proud that he has been able to make friends so easily. I also felt incredibly emotional seeing all the children both excited and nervous in their new school clothes and sporting new school backpacks. I was pretty choked up and was worried that Grayson might sense my emotions and worsen his evident mounting stress. However he was too wrapped up in his own emotions to notice anything, and for once I was grateful.

We got to the class and the morning Aide, Barbie, immediately seized the kids sat them in a circle and engaged them in some fun story telling activity about a class room bear that each student will be able to take home with them during the course of the school year, and then need to write (with help of course) a short story about what the bear did while at there house. It was brilliant and captured their attention while us grown ups felt a little at a loss standing at the back of the class feeling a little redundant.

Paul then tapped my shoulder and pointed to Eme, who was tucked behind the bookshelf that bordered the area where the kids were sitting enraptured by the same story with a look of pure envy that she really wanted to participate as well. (all captured on video for future viewing).

The adults said our quick anticlimactic goodbyes and hurried next door to the school library where a "tea and tissues" was being hosted that allowed us to meet the principal and other administration at the school, get the low down on all the after school activities, volunteer positions, etc. Definitely a nice transition for us parents with new kindergarteners, though after about 5 minutes (or once her hot chocolate ran out) Eme decided she was ready to head home. Fortunately Paul was still there and took her an Anna out to the playground.

After all this I had previously invited all the parents that wanted and were able to come back to our place to hang out and pass this rite of passage among others that might be able to empathize. Only about 6 people showed up, but we had such a great time that we were almost late picking the kids up!

I thought for sure when I went to get Grayson he would cry upon seeing me, but he gave me a big hug, gently mentioned that he really missed us all - he even took to writing Eme's name on a piece of paper because he missed his sister, and Anna exclaimed only as Anna can - "Buddy's Back!".

We were rushing off to swim class, Grayson expressing how tired he was, but still willing to share with us (especially the overly eager to know Eme) about some of the things he did on his first day (made catapillars, traced lines, had snack outside, and cried a little - but only after Nathan did first). Again I was so proud of him.

Tonight we had a celebratory dinner, take out from Grayson's very favorite vegetarian restaurant, and even though it is now after 8 Paul is still struggling to get Grayson and Eme to sleep - in their new bunk beds (a whole other long story to be shared).

All in all way more mellow than I ever expected, but I have to say I can't believe we have school again tomorrow!

"Yea dadda's home!" - (Anna 26 months old)

What a fun day.

Paul has been gone since Monday in New Zealand, and probably because it's been so long since he's been traveling the kids have really missed him, each in their own way.

Grayson took the melancholy route, prone to moments of quiet and brooding, but was fantastic at expressing that he was "not mad at any of us just missing Daddy".

Eme took to carrying around a male Polly Pocket size figurine, aptly named Daddy. Daddy went off on many adventures most involved the matchbox airplane with Daddy sitting on top going to "Na Zealand".

Anna woke each morning made eye contact and would ask "dadda come back?", to which I would reply how many more nigh nighs before he would actually be returning. Her answer "oh, all right".

All in all the week went rather quickly and smoothly, much of which can be attributed to a generous visit by Great Aunt Jill on the week of her birthday, and an overnighter from Grandma that netted a surprise trip to Bonfante Gardens (local theme park for those not from this area).

Today was the big day that Daddy came home. After Grayson's TaeKwonDo this morning (and Eme's third time in a row expressing how she wants to start doing TKD again!) we got a Jamba Juice and then headed up to the airport, and amazingly Anna fell asleep. I decided it would be fun for the kids and Paul (and myself too) to meet Paul outside customs rather than just wait at the curb.

We got their a little early, I transferred the sleeping Anna into the stroller and Grayson Eme and I headed in. Luckily Paul's flight got in a little early as well. We had enough time for a little snack where we were able to watch the monitors showing the people coming out from customs (a nice feature with all the chaos of all the different international flights coming in).

While sitting there I had a moment to reflect on a time maybe 3 years ago when I tried to do a similar thing with the kids when Paul was getting back from an international business trip. Anna wasn't part of the group then, Eme was just walking, and Grayson wasn't really talking yet. I remember feeling really overwhelmed and stressed. Today with Anna asleep in the stroller and Grayson and Eme thrilled by both the adventure and daddy's impending arrival (not to mention a "special snack of potato chips and apple juice") it was actually quite relaxing. I can't help but think with even #4 on the way and three under 6 how much I have matured into my role as mother.

I was telling the kids to watch the monitor for daddy and more than likely we would notice his bright green duffel bag (as the resolution isn't the best). And sure enough we did. We immediately got up and ran over to the customs exit Grayson leading the way, seeing daddy, overwhelmed by the distance through the crowd he was from us, yet eager to make contact. Paul saw me then looked down to see Grayson and a quickly trailing Eme. The look on their faces was unforgettable. One of those "Kodak moments" that will be with Paul and I for a long time to come. It was very emotional for me to watch this poignant reunion (I would love to blame it on the hormones, but I think regardless of the pregnancy they would have been there)

The amazing thing was Grayson. He has been maturing so quickly over this summer, and we are starting to get glimpses into the future of the man he will become. Grayson was clearly fighting back tears, yet confused and maybe embarrassed that he wanted to cry when this was a joyous occasion. Several times quietly he said he really missed daddy, and it clicked for me that he might be worried that Paul would mistake his joy for sadness. I took a moment among all the airport commotion to acknowledge his emotions and express how normal it is to feel emotional and feel like crying even when you are so happy. This seem to give him great comfort and he was able quickly move on.

Eme was is pure joy to have her daddy home, you could see her wiggling and smiling as only Eme can do. Had she been walking (by now Paul had put both G & E on the luggage trolley and was pushing theme) she would have had her trademark run skip that she does when she is happy. In these moments with her it is absolutely amazing to be a part of the innocence of her joy without boundaries.

Anna was blissfully asleep. But when we made it back to the car, after Eme announced to daddy that we were parked on level 2, and guided Paul in the direction of the elevator and then the car, I took a chance and woke Anna up telling her "dadda's back". Anna is rather like me in that she generally prefers to wake slowly, so in her groggy way she sleepily smiled upon my words and when I lifted her to show her daddy, she reached over to Paul and gave him a hug and gently said "dadda".

The whole thing felt so Norman Rockwell and I will cherish the memory for a long time to come. I am truly blessed in so many ways.