Back to school time is right around the corner. I have the Mom nerves. I always do at this time of year. As I watch them on the brink of embarking on another year's journey, I can't help but reflect from where they came. The growth is bittersweet. I want them to grow because this is what kids are supposed to do, but if I could freeze time, I think I just might. Here is a little glimpse of what I mean.
Seven years ago today, my baby girl was not even a month old. She was a tiny little peanut when she was born, and the nickname Peanut stuck. She is still a Peanut in size, but she is a giant in my eyes in how far she has come. This is her 5th year of school. She started preschool at the tender age of 3. She had a few speech development issues, some fine motor development issues, and some social/emotional development issues (thanks to my family anxiety genes). She spent 4 year old preschool, kindergarten and part of 1st grade in a program designed to support her needs while allowing her to be mainstreamed as much as possible (our school district is fantastic). Last year at the beginning of 1st grade, her Dad when back to work after staying home with the kids for 6 years. Right after that, her Grandfather died. It was a rough few weeks of school. Transitions are hard for her. These adjustment were BIG. She began tugging at her hair without realizing it. It didn't take long before her pretty hair that was finally thick enough to grow some length was gone. It was straggly and she had spots on the back of her head that were almost bald. I took her to have what was left cut short in order to try to fix the situation. I am forever grateful to a woman named Maria at the Kidsnips Hair Salon who heard our story and did a tremendous job giving my Peanut the most fantastic cute little girl bob style haircut. It took a while and a few styling visits, but we crossed the hurdle and the hair bounced back. The anxiety over Dad going back to work and Grandpa passing ebbed and we established our routines. In February of 1st grade, Peanut "graduated" from her need to be in the special education program and she was fully mainstreamed. I watched her blossom all year right before my eyes. She is no longer a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, or a little girl. She is now a fully fledged school aged kid, and quite the voracious reader and conversationalist, and her creativity knows no limits. She is truly mini me. This year she will begin 2nd grade in a new school. She will face new challenges, as she learns to make new friends and adjust to her new setting. She is excited. I am terrified. I want this feeling of mine to be unjustified. I am doing everything in my power to talk about the transition more and more before it actually happens. It's easy for people to say everything will be fine; you worry too much. But, when you watch your child struggle like I did at the beginning of last year, the anticipation of seeing that again is more acute and very unwelcome. So, I will wish upon a star, or whatever it takes, to make her upcoming school year a wonderful one. She is an amazing kid.
I also have child number 2. A little man who is charming, sweet, caring, funny, and happy go lucky. Five years ago today, he was a month and a half old. He did not start school until the ripe old age of 4 due to potty training issues. We weren't sure he would even make it in at 4 until I discovered the Three Day Potty Training Method and buckled down with it. It worked like a charm, and off to preschool he went. He had a wonderful first year of preschool. His BFF was a little girl name Lily. They were inseparable. I am sad that they will not be attending the same school this year because we live in a different attendance district than Lily's family. But, I have no reservations that he will make tons of new friends at his new school and quickly have a new BFF. He is just easy going that way. Like his Daddy. But, this year throws a monkey wrench in my plans to keep him little forever. My baby is starting kindergarten. He is officially school aged. There will be no more to follow him. I will cherish this year of kindergarten and savor every second of it.
I have decided recently that 7 and 5 is the best stage yet. They are both old enough to be self-sufficient in a lot of ways. They can communicate effectively. They understand what it means to listen and follow directions (even though they may not always do it). They are fun to be around. They like new adventures. They are much more portable (and I have to carry much less stuff with me). The conversations I have with my daughter now truly amaze me sometimes. My little man's silly faces and sense of comedy always has me in stitches. But, the best part of 7 and 5 is that they still enjoy Mommy's hugs and kisses and cuddles. One day, I know that part will dwindle and I will sorely miss it when it does. But, for now, I will take it all in, even the moments they frustrate me. Because it won't ever come around again.
American historian and author Alice Morse Earle sums up what this blog is about:
"The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why
it is called the present." (from Sun Dials and Roses of Yesterday, 1902).
Today has most definitely been a beautifully wrapped gift from my kids. How was yours?
