Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Well. It's here.

Today was Carson's first day of kindergarten.  To be honest, the last few days have been a blur, including the Warrior Dash (blog post coming) an important event last night at church, so I was a little off my game this morning.  I had some expectations of how the morning would go, and didn't communicate or prepare adquately.  ;)  I forgot that we had planned a "no TV" rule until you are all dressed, bed made, breakfast eaten and Bible story read.  So when I heard Trent and Carson digging around for clothes (without my supervision!) around 6:50, I got up and was immediately Mean Mommy, b/c I just really didn't want him wearing an over-sized, glow-in-the-dark Despicable Me shirt on the first day.  It is actually a cute shirt that I approved of when purchased, but just a little too casual for The First Day Of Kindergarten.  Trent, probably against his will, backed me up when Carson fought it and got him to put on a Collared Shirt (this is our rule of thumb, dividing all boys shirts into "play clothes" and "nicer" clothes).  Carson's school doesn't start until 9:15, so I thought we'd have 2 whole hours to ease into the clothes I had in mind.  I also wanted to put on some shorts that matched the shirt, but I let it go.
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Carson got over the clothing decision thing and was really excited.  But those 2 hours I was telling you about?  They lasted a really long time.  Long enough for his mood swings to give me whip lash.  I'm sure it was just his nerves, which I totally understand, b/c I was nervous too!  About 10 minutes before we were going to leave, he said he wanted to take the bus this morning.  I told him it was too late, the bus had already come and it was a special morning for me to take him and meet his teacher.  Cue: 10 non-stop-minutes of begging to take the bus.  Which had already come and gone.  And pouting.  And refusing to pose for First Day Pictures.
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To be honest, I was cracking up as I took these pictures, thinking how we will keep these for all time and look back and giggle.  Yes, he's holding a CD that he chose from the house to listen to in the car.  I asked him to stand by the front door, so we could take a picture like Sydney's First Day picture. He said no.  OK.



 There's a chink in this armor...I was trying to make him laugh.
 Grumpy attitude melted when we parked in front of the school and started walking.  He specifically requested we park ACROSS the street so we could use the crosswalk with the crossing guard.  We got to the front of the school before the doors were open, and there were a lot of kids waiting (and some other nervous Kinder parents.)  He had a stoic face, but did reach up and hold my hand.  I may have gotten choked up just a bit at that moment.
 Here he is in his seat!  Because of buget cuts, our school has a K/1 blend.  I'm choosing to have a good attitude about this.  It really, really helps that our wonderful friend and neighbor, Mrs. S, is the aide in this room!  I can't tell you how much peace of mind that gave this mama.  :) 
 This other little boy is a 1st grader, so he started last week.  I helped them introduce themselves to each other and he said excitedly: "Why don't you take a picture of me and Carson?!?!"  Well, OK!  I will!

 It was a little chaotic in the room, but Carson found his way over to some kids who were hopping around the pond rug.
 OK!  Here we go!  All the unexpected hurdles of the morning were erased from my mind as I kissed my baby and walked out of the room.  Deep breath.  It begins!

14 comments:

Steph said...

Yahoo! Way to take it all in stride, sista. Do you feel like we've somehow graduated to a new distinction in mommyhood? I do. Wait till tomorrow when he takes the bus. Mind blowing! This whole thing is so crazy to me 'cause I swear I was JUST holding him in your hospital room. Sniff. Go Carson!

Jo B. said...

Okay, my tears totally surprised me!Sheesh! Anyway, even though it was not a perfect Hallmark First Morning of Kingergarten, Carson will love school. There will be lots of other opportunities for matching apparel!

AimeeLSalter said...

*High Five for your courage*

Sheesh, I bawled taking Harry to preschool when he was three. They start school at five here. (Only six months away). This made me cry just because I realized I'm going to have to do this so soon!!!

Excuse me while I go pull myself together...

Unknown said...

Jen... you deserve a blue ribbon for rollin' with the punches. Way to go! Can't believe that lil' guy is starting Kindergarten! He's gonna do great!

ps. You look great in the last photo. Way to look pretty on the first day of school Mamma!

Jess said...

Good job Jen on rolling with the punches! I can't believe my little nephew is old enough to start kindergarten! P.S. Looooove the pics :)

Becky said...

Josh left for school with the same sour face, but by the time he got home he was excited for the next day and to ride the bus. It's hard to let go of our babies, isn't it? But, man oh man, is the quiet house nice! Almost an entire day of no fighting between Josh and Hannah, no argueing and no complaining. He isn't a bad kid, but does require more, uh, attention than even Bethany. You're going to love it Jen.

Becky said...

What a big kiddo. Love his new little friend who asked for a picture. So great. Good job mama! I'm so glad you even captured his grumpy moments. A well documented first day. Go Carson and love the last pic. He's gonna be a start student.

Becky said...

*star student. :)

Becky said...

My heart is having a party in celebration of this very important day! A cool new friend already. God is good. Proud of all of you :) Love you lots and lots!! Happy Kindergarten!!!!!!! Nina.....Becky was on my computer (:

Anonymous said...

What a big boy! He'll do great! Wes was in a K/1 combo and did very well. I absolutely love the pictures!

woosterweester said...

Go C-dawg and his ever-so-hip mama! Just send him with pics of you doing the warrior dash and he will be an instant celebrity at school. Fo' realz.

Erin said...

Hi! I found you through Carrie Lassiter, and I had to comment because this cracked me up! It totally sounded like one of our mornings. My husband was going to let my oldest (started kinder this year too) wear a Phineas and Ferb t-shirt instead of the fancy shirt (that's what we call collared shirts) that I had envisioned. We ended up compromising on a fancier t-shirt. (Really, anything is fancier than Phineas and ferb, right?) But, whew, the morning outfit choices can be quite the battle. Who knew?

stephanie said...

I'm just glad you made it through the first day...I am anxious to hear how he/and you are adjusting to him being a kindergardener! :)

stephanie said...

I'm just glad you made it through the first day...I am anxious to hear how he/and you are adjusting to him being a kindergardener! :)