Quarters

Rowan (and his mommy) officially survived the first full week of kindergarten. On Thursday I thought I was very brilliant. I decided that Rowan needed something to keep his brain busy at school, and distracted from his homesickness. I decided he needed a job. When Fuller was in kindergarten he was PAINFULLY shy, so I offered him a shiny quarter for each classmates name that he learned. Though the purpose was different, I thought this job might be just the thing for Rowan. Over lunch on Thursday I presented the plan to him, and he seemed very excited about the quarters. In fact he gave me a few names before we left for school and he was off to a good start. When we got to school and lined up he started to tear up and get a little weepy again. I pointed out to him that this would be a great time to learn some new names, since parents would be telling their kids goodbye. He stopped being sad and started listening intently. By the time his class was headed down the hallway he had a couple more quarters happily jingling in his backpack. For the first time all week I could go home and relax. When I went to pick him up he looked a little like he had been crying, but he said he only cried at the end because after the bell rang it was taking to long for me to walk to his class, and he thought I wasn't coming.
Today unfortunately he had no interest in earning any quarters, and had a very sad, sobbing, tearful goodbye. Poor Mrs H., I think she's going to get tired of leading my pitiful son by the hand! But, when I picked him up he was all smiles and had lots of exciting things to say. He said he didn't cry at all once they got to class. So maybe progress is being made. It's just two steps forward, one step back.

11:35- The worst time of the day

Rowan is having a tough adjustment to kindergarten, and I'm a little at a loss for what to do. Rowan is generally my most social child, and he never once cried or wanted me to stay with him at preschool. His first day of kindergarten went great, he was giddy with excitement all morning, and when I picked him up he talked my ear off about all the fun things they did- that was Friday. Over the weekend he seemed very clingy and needy. He wouldn't go to sleep without the overhead light on, and came and got in bed with Paul and I both nights. Monday morning he was very leery about going to school and had a sobbing meltdown when we got there, begging and pleading with me to take him home. I know his teacher pretty well since Grayson had her and I know that she is about the kindest, most patient teacher you could ever ask for. So I know that's not the problem. I finally calmed him down enough that he was able to walk to his room with the rest of the class, but when I picked him up he was crying, and had apparently been crying intermittently throughout the day. He's crying at weird times too, like recess. When I asked him what's wrong he said, "sometimes I just need a parent." Once we got home though, he told me all about the fun things he was doing at school. Tuesday morning brought more anxiety, and some tears at drop off time, but better than Monday. I sent him armed with a family picture in each pocket and that seemed to make him feel a little better. I told him to just try and think about all of the fun they are having and the time will go faster. He said he doesn't want be sad, but his brain just tells him to. His teacher said he cried less on Tuesday, so I was hopeful that he was getting used to this whole kindergarten thing. However, today was the worst drop off of all. He started brushing tears away as I pulled into the school parking lot, and by the time we got to his class's line he was sobbing and begging me to pick him up and hold him. He said both his legs and his tummy hurt. He kept saying "I just want to be with you Mommy!" His teacher kindly held his hand and said he could come lead the line and be her helper today. I had to quickly turn and walk away, I didn't want him breaking free and following me, and I didn't trust myself not to just scoop him up and take him home. His teacher called me about an hour later to let me know he was doing fine (she really is THE BEST!) She had made a deal with him that if he could stop crying she would walk him by Grayson's classroom on the way to recess and let him wave to his big brother. Apparently he had a good day after that. He said he loves PE and music, and had fun doing some art. Then tonight his separation issues were back in full force. When we got to soccer practice he sat on my lap and refused to get off or even look at his coach. Anytime I would mention that he should go out and practice with his team he would start crying. I'm just hoping this adjustment process doesn't drag on too long, I just don't have it in me. Crying in the school parking lot every day after I drop him off is getting exhausting.

This baby needs a new home!

This week I got the opportunity to test out a really fun pattern for Debye at www.cberrybaby.com. If you get a chance to visit her website or her ETSY shop I totally recommend it. She has the cutest stuff! Anyway- her pattern was for this adorable and reversible crayon apron. The one I made is sized for a toddler or preschool aged girl. While the boys were jealous that I was once again sewing for someone other than them, none of them really want this. In fact Rowan wouldn't agree to model it for me unless I promised his face wouldn't be in the picture. So, if you have a little girl who you think might like this, let me know. I'll pick a name out of the hat on Saturday. (Local friends only please, I'm not in the mood for the post office:))

Firsts

This past week was a big one for Rowan. He had his first day of kindergarten on Friday. I had to laugh/cringe as I watched him walk down the hall with the rest of his class. He was doing his patented hop on one leg move. He was so excited and bouncy that I couldn't help but smile, but I also felt a little worried for how he would settle down for his teacher. I didn't get to check in with her at the end of the day, so I'm just hoping he was ok.


He also had his first soccer game this weekend. Five year olds are great entertainment. Most of them didn't have a clue what was going on. The coach kept having to remind them not to use hands and which direction to go, and one kid on his team just flung himself on the ball like he was tackling it every time he got near it.




I didn't notice it when I was taking the pictures at Rowan's game, but when I went to download them I was so tickled by what a big smile he had in pretty much every picture. He was REALLY having a good time!




Grayson had his first game of the season too. His team is interesting to watch. I think they're really starting to understand the game and "get" positions and teamwork.


Grayson had been really excited about getting to be goalie, but most of the time that he was goalie he looked something like this.

I think his lack of "goaliness" irritated Fuller, and he started trying to give him some direction.





We lucked out and Fuller didn't have a game this Saturday, but starting next weekend we'll have three games to get to every Saturday. Should make things interesting.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Today is my Grandma's 99th birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Big thanks to my dad for sending me this picture of her celebration- wish I could be there to help you celebrate! We love you Grandma!

Feeling low

Someone......

is missing his two favorite buddies!

1 down, 173 to go

Well we officially made it through our first day of school. There was quite a bit of nervous energy in the morning, and great relief on my part once Fuller and Grayson were safely deposited at school. Rowan and I had a very nice day together. The kinders don't really get started until next week, but we will be going in tomorrow to meet with his teacher. He was reveling in getting everything to himself today. When we got back from dropping Fuller off he promptly grabbed one of Fuller's prized possessions and one of Grayson's and sat smugly smiling on the couch. What a little stinker! When I picked Grayson up he proclaimed that he actually likes 2nd grade! A big deal from my school hating child. Then off to get Fuller. He was excited about being at a new school this year, especially about having a locker. He got in the car and said 6th grade ROCKS! He loves his homeroom teacher, who it turns out he has for five of his nine periods. She put little treat bags with fruit snacks, chips, pencils and pens in their lockers to give them a little extra incentive for figuring out their combinations. So far all signs are pointing to a good year! I'm hoping day two is just as good.