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!