Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The Kindergarten Honeymoon

Christian has started kindergarten. Like most kids, he was conflicted. He was excited. He was nervous. He was pumped. He was scared. Luckily, he knew a few of the kids in his class. Yes, there would be girls in his class. His pre-k class was all boys, so he had trouble wrapping his brain around the concept of boys and girls co-mingling for extended periods of time. We explained how things would go. The bus would pick him up and bring him home. No, it would not get lost. He would hang his backpack and lunch bag up and sit in his seat. His teacher would be in charge. When she talks, he should listen. Sit quietly, keep your hands to yourself, raise your hand to ask questions. Be nice, be patient, be kind, be respectful. We thought we had it covered. The first couple of days were great. He was excited and bursting with all news of the day. He told us who he sat with and what he learned. By around day 5, the bloom was coming of the rose. He wearily climbed off the bus dragging a backpack that covers most of his body. I asked about his day. "I don't think this kindergarten thing is going to work out for me, Mom. There are too many rules, it's too long and I don't like the snacks. We can try again when I am older." I explained that all the kids were adjusting to the new routine, schedule and rules. I assured him that he would get the hang of it in no time. The kindergarten honeymoon was over but he can't break up with it. Or his teacher. Who he thinks is cute so he is willing to give her another chance. Lucky lady.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Loosest Tooth

Christian lost his first tooth. This was a big deal in our house. We got daily, even hourly, updates about it's condition. "It's 80 pounds wiggly today. I can wiggle it 11 feet right now." But, mixed in with his excitement was fear. This was a new experience. Will it hurt a lot? Will it bleed? Can I still eat? Will the tooth fairy bring me a new tooth? Do they all fall out at once? Last night, the tooth literally fell into his lap. He was thrilled. "My tooth is out! I'm going to be rich!" We immediately sent out the bat signal and white smoke to all the family members who were equally invested in this momentous occasion in a young man's life. He found his tooth pillow and stuffed it in for the tooth fairy. Then we had long discussions about where to put the pillow. Do we put it under his pillow? Will the tooth fairy find it? Should we leave it on his dresser? We can't leave it on the floor because she might step on it and break it. Will she get lost and go to Sara's room? Let me tell you, I DID feel like sending up white smoke afterwards. A Papal Conclave is shorter and less serious than this kid making these life and death decisions. Finally, after much thought and discussion, the froggy tooth fairy pillow is 'gently' placed under his pillow. Imagine his shrieks of delight when he found the tooth fairy had left him a 'green rectangle money' in it's place. He proudly told me that he is now rich and can buy things. I don't think the kid understands the value of a dollar but he sure does know the value of the first lost tooth.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Silent Suffering

I picked Christian up from school today. His class was finishing up lunchtime. He came running up to me with a distressed and accusing look on his face. "Mom, you put CRUNCHY peanut butter in my lunch!" His face had disappointment with a hint of accusation all over it. I have to admit here and now, I did not feel too horrible about my parenting. Like it or lump it, kiddo. Turning to his teacher for sympathy of my own, I quipped, "He doesn't suffer in silence". She looked back at me and replied, "He doesn't do ANYTHING in silence." Well played, teacher. She gets to witness his mind in action for 16 hours a week. He is smart, funny and very, very chatty. His observations are both humorous and accurate. Nothing escapes this kid's attention. Right now he is obsessed with his first loose tooth. He wiggles it all day. And describes it in great and amusing detail. "It's 80 pounds wiggly. I can wiggle it 11 miles. Will the tooth fairy really leave me a money? Will she leave me a new tooth?" I don't have answers to all his questions and my answers are not nearly as fun. But, it sure does make the day (and time) fly by. No, Christian, we cannot actually see time fly. And we do not having flying clocks. Yes, he asked.