On Vet's Mind

I had been trying to keep up, but I have been busy volunteering everyday this week and not in the mood over the weekend. 

 

This weekend we took the kids to Clemyjontri with Z's friend Sofia.  They all had a fun time, that is until Zachary fell and skinned his face and got a cut on his bottom.  He and Sofia were racing on the balance beems.  They tied the first time and then Sofia won with 7 seconds and Zachary, 8.  They continued playing while I went to the car to get their water (Law was with Maddy on the other side of the park).  As I am walking back from the van, I hear a loud cry.  I recognized that cry.  It was Zach.  I about started to run, but saw Law was near him and was taking care of it.  I get there and he wants mom to hug and comfort him - poor kid.  His eye was bruised with a sore on the top and bottom.  He could barely walk and he was shaken up a bit, but he didn't want to leave - they were having such a good time.  They all sat to eat some grapes and he was hoping he would feel better, after, but then the bees start flying all around us.    I tried to be brave and what it did more than anything is ANNOY me!  And of course Zachary is terrified every time one gets near him.  ARG!  He was no longer having a good time, so we decided to head back and take them to lunch.  I was fun in the beginning and Maddy had a blast on the tire swing - her favorite.

 

I have been working on PTA stuff.  Creating and getting spreadsheats organized, trying to get volunteers lined up for events and trying to figure out what I need to do.  There is so much, but it has been nice having something to focus on.  Our fundraiser kicks off on Monday and I had to get the brochures ready for that, too.  I cleaned out the PTA closet at the school while I was at it - disaster!!!  Tuesday and today, Wedneday, I helped the reading teacher with some paper books. I called Daniela and asked if she'd like to hlep so she came by today and we both worked on them together.  I will be back tomorrow to help in Maddy classroom and to laminate some stuff for someone else.  I just wish I would get PAID to help this year.  I leave once Maddy is done, so I only spend mornings there.  Like I said, I enjoy it and it is helping the teachers. 

 

Monday Zachary was supposed to go to TKD.  He asked if he could skip because his leg was still very sore, but I made a stink about it and told him he can't be missing.  He missed once last week because he fell of his scooter and his legs and shoulder was sore.  Plus, when Law found out, he seemed upset that I allowed him to skip.  So this time I made him change and told him why it is improtant for him to go blah, blah, blah.  I actually would have let him skip because he could barely walk up the stairs, or at all, as he had been limping all day, but I didn't want to hear it from Law, so that was my main reason for taking him.  Well, on the way there, he fell alseep.  I called Law and ran it by him.  He said he wouldn't press the issue and just to take him home.   I was glad we were on the same page because I really started to feel bad for my boy.  I was going to talk with his Master and tell him what happened and that he may not be able to fully participate, but what is the point of going, at all, really?!  He seems much better today and he WILL be going to class.  And he likes the class so it is not like he is trying to get out of it just to get out of it. 

 

I guess that is all for now.

Maddy did much better today.  I drove her to school, got down and walked her to her class line.  She was all smiles, we kissed, huged and said goodbye.  I picked her up after and, again, all smiles.  She was excited to share her morning with me.  Her favorite part?  Being able to go outside and play with her friend, Sofia.  They are in different classes, but both classes were outside together for a bit after snack time.  She said she made a friend in her class, but she can't remember her name. 

 

 

We got home she had lunch and we did her reading homework together.  She was not happy about having to read, but she pulled through.  They are sent home a monthly log and a seperate log where she colors in a shape for each day she completdx her reading.  They are to turn this in, completed, and then they will get a prize/sticker.  It all new to her, homework, but I know, eventually, she won't fight me on having to do it.  It will just be part of her routine. 

 

Zachary didn't want to be driven to school so he asked if he could go to the stop alone.  I said, "NO WAY!"  Thankfully, Law understood his need of wanting to be with his friends and went to the bus stop with him.    I think this is how it will work every morning as long as Law doesn't have to be to work early, which almost never happens.  I think sooner rather than later, Maddy will want to join her brother, anyway. 

 

Below is Maddy making silly faces and posing for the camera this morning before school.  This is one of her favorite shirts it says, "I like CHOCOLATE, how about you?"

 

 

This morning things went off pretty smoothly - well, a little attitude from my Mr. Man Zachary, but quickly put him in check!  I walked the kids to the bus stop and Maddy seemed OK  on the walk over, but as soon as she had to line up, she got really quiet and I could tell she was apprehensive about the situation.  The little girl (first grader) from our street wanted to talk with her, but Maddy was not interested.  She smiled at one point and looked at her, but I could tell she was not really listening.  I asked the little girl if Maddy could sit by her and she said yes (she likes Maddy and they have had several playdates), but Maddy did not want to, she wanted to be with her big brother, her protector.  Daddy stopped and talked to her for a few minutes.  She smiled and waved goodbye, happily.   Once he was on his way, Maddy just started to stare at the ground.  The bus finally arrived and she was not fully ready.  Zach went ahead of her so he could pick the seat for them.  I told him that he had two jobs: 1) sit by her on the bus and 2) walk with her into the school and help her find her teacher.  She tells me he did what I asked.   I actually didn't think he sat by her. I saw him sit down but I didn't see her.  The windows are tinted so you can barely see who is who.  I then see someone sit next to him and I couldn't tell if it was her.  I was a little worried that maybe he left her and she sat alone.  Come to find out that the little girl had stopped her as she was walking and wanted her to sit with her, but Maddy tells me she told her she wanted to sit by her brother. PHEW! I guess it would have been harmless for her to sit next to S since I did ask earlier, but I just didn't know what was going on and that was stressing me out!!!  I wanted to get on the bus and check out what was going on, but I refrained from doing so and just trusted that everything would go well. 

 

So the morning goes by, very slowly, and it is time to meet her at the bus stop.  I wait and wait and wait...It was taking a long time.  Then, my phone rings.  It is the school, her teacher.  She tells me that Maddy is in tears and sobbing because she said she is not supposed to be on the bus without her brother.  Her teacher asked if there was a mix up and if she was supposed to be on the bus. I told them she was to ride the bus; however if she was refusing, I would be there in 5 minutes. They said they will explain to her that she is to ride with Zachary TO school and that after, mommy will be at the stop to meet her after. I told them if she continues to have a hard time with it, I will go get her, but I never got another call. It broke my heart and I wanted to fly there, but I trust and know the bus driver, so I knew she was in good hands. As soon as she saw me, she broke down and ran into my arms. It was so hard to see her like that. I think I may have to pick her up for a while. She said she will let me know how she feels about it later.  Poor my Maddy Cakes!  Other than that, she seemed to have a good day.

 

 

Maddy's day ended at 10:50; the last hour was the longest hour - EVER!  I got to school a little early, but I was excited to hear about her first day.

 

I saw her coming down the hall with her class and she was all smiles, so that made me feel good.  I knew she would enjoy it.   She said they talked about the classroom rules and the red, yellow, green light ssytem.  Said at the end of the week, if she is good, she will get to dip into the teasure box.  She said they rotated centers, and did more work than play - that is a good thing in my eyes - but she said she had a good time.  She is looking forward to tomorrow.  She said she asked some of the kids their names, but they didn't talk much.  She concluded, "They must be shy, like I sometimes am."  I told her she would get to know them all each day and she will remember their names and make plenty of friends.  Her only concern is that she likes to be called Maddy and of course, they call her Madelyn.  I sent her teacher an email so we'll see how that goes.  She had lunch and then she and I made cookies.  She has been asking to bake cookies for about a week and I thought today would be the perfect day.  We had some messy fun together. :)  

 

Before school starts they ask how your child will be getting to and from school daily and on the first day of school.  I said I would drop them off and pick them up today, but then it is bus for the both of them.  I wasn't thinking and signed Zach as a parent pick-up today because that is how I planned to get Maddy, but silly me could've had him ride home today because Maddy is picked up mid-day. I had to make the trip down there when he really wanted to ride the bus home.  DUH!  Oh well.

 

He seemed to have a good day.  He said he doesn't want to talk about it.  He ALWAYS says that, so I will give him time and before I know it, he will be telling me all about it.  That is how he is and I understand and just go with it.  

 

 

And they are off ... Today we drove the kids to school; tomorrow they will begin to ride the bus.  They were both super excited.  Zachary was up before I got home from the gym.  He said he woke up at 3am, went back to sleep and woke up just before 5am.  Maddy woke up at around 6am.  I came downstairs after showering and they were both sitting on the couch, dressed (shoes and all) and ready for the day.  We all had breakfast, I got everything ready and we were out the door on this rainy morning.

 

Law came along to send her off on her first day.  She was happily posing for pictures, but I could see a little fear in her eyes.  I took pictures, but once I was done she held my hand, tightly.  We took her to her teacher and showed her where to line up and Law kissed her and said his goodbyes; I stayed for a while longer.  She was standing there taking it all in, just watching as each child took their place behind her.  I didn't want to stay next to her till the very end because I think she needed to be alone and take it all in w/o me and I didn't want to get emotional.  I gave her kisses and hugs and she she blew me extra kisses as I said goodbye and told her to have a good day. I went and got my volunteer sticker and found a spot where she could not see me, but still watched as she just stood there.  I stayed strong and just watched and all I could think about is how big and brave she is; I knew she was ready and it was time to let her go.  When I was done helping out, I got in the car and this is the email I received from a friend and this brought me to tears:

 

First Day Of Kindergarten School Poem

~Author Unknown~

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside her
In the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside
the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred, hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,
To work her problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore --
She's in Kindergarten today.

 

This is it; she is a big girl now and now all I can do is continue to teach her, love her, guide her and nurture her all while giving her the independence she will need to succeed in life, just as I have done with her brother.   Mommy will be OK once I see that her first day was a success, as I am sure it was. 

 

Zachary was easy.  He kissed us both and waved goodbye as he turned down the third grade hallway.  He is a big boy now and needs no help from us.  I am happy with that, but sad at the same time.

 

I posted pictures, so be sure to take a look.