first day of 2's

I caught a glimpse of our 2 year old this morning and connected it to the commercial where the dad is saying goodbye to his young daughter and all of a sudden she morphs into a teenager leaving for college. Time is precious, but fleeting in this way. Maybe my maddening sentiment is fresh in that we're still riding the wave of milestone goodbyes this fall...

Eliza Kate half way obliged to a quick picture before loading up this morning. She was armed with lovey her BFF nestled securely under her arm. It's a security crutch of sorts.

But, this is how she really felt deep down about preschool. EK kept repeating with a shake, shake of her head "No school". A stark personality contrast from big brother, Eliza Kate is apprehensive & slow to warm up about new environments. I wrestled with preparing her for the time away from me OR just dropping her off with no announcement of things to come. She's just two.
Her beloved pink lovey had to stay home for the morning & a borrowed teddy bear stepped in its place to escort our lil lady to class for a special teddy bear tea party.
 

Our girl has lots of changes in her little world right now with a transitional home {although I swear she doesn't notice }, a new promotional 2 yr. old room at church on Sunday mornings, and starting Puggles on Wednesday nights. Change is good though in their little world from time to time. I know it helped Miller build his confidence to step into unfamiliar environments without a special friend.
We packed up her special All About Me homework peeking out of her bag. I think it's probably comforting to see familiar faces during the day posted in the room.

We hunted for Nemo on the way into the building. And, she cried when I dropped her off. I didn't let it ruin my morning. She always adjusts. No first day photos with her teachers...she was a sobbing mess. I made a quick exit. Once she builds up her trust, hopefully I'll get a smiling memory to keep.

I blinked and it was time for pick up. That's how preschool mornings are. I will say that for the first time in my mommying career, I am solo at home and it's glorious. I've never had a season like this and I must admit that I feel a twinge of guilt. All my chores get done in a flash and totally independently without urgent toddler needs to meet. I stroll the grocery aisles and take time to read the labels just because I can. I'm soaking it in for now as I'll be teaching this winter.

Our school girl proudly showed off her teddy bear first day artwork. Ms. K commented that she was thrilled that EK already knew her shapes & colors. Our happy girl shouted "mommy"! when I popped in her doorway. She always says to me," Look mommy, I made it"..when we locate her work. She has an interest in arts in crafts...wa hoo!

We ran into our friends Miss Whitney & Hadley with big brother Brooks in tow after school . We couldn't resist the coordinating outfits. Hadley gave us the cutest little walk to capture the moment. And, EK was thrilled to chase her around.  Their age gap is narrowing now that Eliza Kate is getting older.

Sweet girls! Here's to firsts.

And, finally a parting family blessing that has been passed down from Grandma Eliza Aldridge to my mom and now I'm reciting it in prayer to the kiddos before they leave for school mornings. I love this legacy and hope to keep passing it down throughout our family.

“‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

– Numbers 6:24-26

 

 

 

Meet the Teachers {preschool edition}

We're all geared up for the little missy to start school this fall. I hemmed and hawd {southernism} over shipping my 2.4 year old off to school. Afterall, I didn't start Miller until 3 years old. It's so easy to dwell on keeping everything equal and the same for both kids. I'm learning though that each child is different, your family needs change with each one & birth order has a lot to do with choices too. Can you tell that is was a big dilemma? She is my baby you know.
And, I'm a self proclaimed over analyzer    s.l.o.w decision maker which is probably why we are still house hunting:)

 By the time we moved, settled in, and the sunset of summer was upon us...I knew I had to face the music and go ahead and take the preschool plunge. At least selecting the preschool was the easiest part of our decision. Since I'll be accepting a supply teaching position in January for an expectant teaching friend, I went ahead and signed Eliza Kate up for the Tues, Weds., Thurs. class. With the Tues./Thurs. class full , a twinge of mommy guilt swept over me to do the 3 day class. I know I'll be happy about it when I'm a full time teacher for 8 weeks this winter. She's had a nice, long unstructured toddler run at home. We sure will soak up our Mondays and Fridays together doing mommy & me outings this year.

We met her sweet teachers this week. Grandmama actually had the inside tour of her teacher's before we did as she's up working at her church weekly. I love walking into a room knowing that the teacher has prepared it with my child in mind. As you've read, spotting a hand written name with one of my children's names on it around the room gets me every time. We strolled in with 10 minutes to close for meet & greet. I'm doing a bible study at the church on Tues. mornings. So, by the time I picked up EK from childcare, we were rushing to get face time. Not to mention making a stop by the cafe to purchase fruit snacks. She was awfully hungry playing all morning long.

Eliza Kate took a tour of her room while I was trying my best to juggle paperwork...all kinds of forms and sign ups. I'm excited about the opportunity to be a mystery reader in her class.
 I didn't want to push a teacher picture just yet as I could tell she was timid wondering if I was going to leave her again. I'm still learning aspects of her little personality.

But, she did break out a diva-ish pose outside the classroom when I asked her to smile. Oh my! An over the shoulder glance at two? You've got to be kidding me. My only guess on this one is that big brother posed like this to show off his book bag?

 I  can't handle the mega size of her school bag.  She's learning how to maneuver it on her shoulder. One things for sure, I'm making a lot of packed lunches this year.
Big milestones this fall for both kids. It's a new season of growing up...for momma too:)

promotions {phone upload style}

Let's face it...some memories just have to be captured with the convenient, blurry camera phone. It sure does make me thankful for a fast shutter 90% of the time. But, whipping out the phone is so handy when you have a million things going on. Juggling paperwork, bags, chasing kids is just too much drama for the big camera.

 Lots of promotions this month for Miller man. He's now on the elementary side at church...a new building with the big kids. I love that he's standing by the sunflower that says "GROW". Miller's growing alright...like a weed. He walks just a wee bit taller going to his classroom now.

We sent him off to meet his new teachers in his K class. Because he's such a big kid, he only attends class for one hour now. We pick him up to attend service with us. He's fascinated with the size of the sanctuary. The music, the message...everything is new.

He showed self control a 1/2 hour or so his first go around. Our active wiggly worm has a tendency to bounce up and down with energy if forced to sit for long periods of time. I need to add to my bag of tricks to keep him occupied. There are pros and cons to this situation{smile}.

Sparks promotion on Wednesday nights is another big deal. We love this program as it gives him sound biblical instruction. He's proud to sport his new red vest and Sparks bag. As you can see, he's big time this year.

children's museum {rewind}

We squeezed in one last trip to Imagine It the weekend before school started. Our yearly reciprocal membership is coming to a close. We're surely missing all the weekend fun on our old street. Our goal is to keep these two active & busy to keep them from missing Islandora.

 Eliza Kate is at that magical age that she fully enjoyed all the different hands on exhibits. She loved filling up her basket with all kinds of fruits and veggies. I helped her identify all her vegetables { she can mark that off her little mommy training course.}

Grocery Shopping during a peak hour can be very stressful on a busy mommy.

Miller found the obstacle course and he was good to go.

Resistance training was next on the list. EK loved running through the bungees on the new exhibit. 

Superwoman dress up though was by far her favorite. We had a big time trying on all sorts of costumes. I caught this image in the mirror. 

Then superhero big brother came to the rescue.

These two were really getting in character with all sorts of looks. It's just fun to sit back and watch them marvel at just what they can create.

Per his request, we magically turned into the work crew. Landon was there but wasn't getting into his character of photog:) I think he was busy playing himself.

All in all , a great trip. A memorable last outing of summer vacation. Looking forward to more togetherness on upcoming weekends. We love to play! 

first day recap

Miller did come home on Monday. I envisioned him all throughout the day in that kindergarten classroom. All teachers know that the first day of school is really about getting them there safely, feeding them, and sending them home the correct way.
 Before I knew it, it was lunchtime, specials, snack time and pack-up time {waa-hoo}! I was praying for him on and off throughout the day. He got off the bus and stood in awe in the driveway that big yellow drove him home. We had to stand at full attention watching the bus venture off and then he ducked to watch it disappear through the trees on its afternoon path. He is MOST fascinated with his transportation this year.  I think he's satisfied that he's part of the elementary club that gets to ride the bus. It's kind of a big.deal.

Being the details girl that I am, I has a zillion questions about his day. Who did you sit with at lunch? Did you write your name today? Was snack in the morning or in the afternoon? Tell me about the playground.  I hung unto every word that Miller divulged. Grandmama was listening to. We love to hear him ramble on.  He has been trained to share ALL that he knows. I know his wife will be thankful that at a young age, I'm training him to deliver the details.

Miller shared that he met two friends named H & J.  Ms. N took a picture of him and the frame said,"I'm a Kindergartner". He played with a toy yellow bus {I can only imagine that he was modeling his bus driver's route to school}. P.E. was his favorite part of the day & they played a "pop the bubble" chasing game. We chatted about his classroom rules. Miller explained what I should include in his lunch the next day. Apparently, Trader Joe's apple bars are the coveted snack in Kindergarten. Miller requested a nap after our heart to heart. We located his blue blankie, and he did just that!
Yes, blankie...one foot in elementary school & one foot still in preschool:)

crazy kid.

Miller was so proud of his yellow wrist band to help him locate the bus. He shared that it is never to be removed. The assistant principal said you can sleep, eat, and even take a bath in it. And, it's been somewhere on his body ever since.

It was a day of new beginnings for all of us.  We were up before the chickens{way too early}.  Eliza Kate was solo. She roamed room to room asking, "Where's Miller?" Miss Paula's sympathy playdate got her mind off of missing him. And, most importantly, a new beginning for Miller.  I am SO proud of my first born for bravely  heading off to school for the first time on his very own without knowing one person. And, relieved that I did it too. I sent him off out of my comfort zone to brave the world of Kindergarten.


Wishing all our K buddies a very happy first week of school!
Time flies!! 

Kindergarten Send Off

Well, the highly anticipated day arrived for Miller man. Can you see his excitement?.... The day that separates the preschoolers from the grade school kids. As soon as the alarm buzzed {waaay to early}, I whispered Good Morning in little man's ear to remind him that the bus would be picking him up. He smiled and said, "oh yeah"! Nothing perks this boy up from the grogginess of a deep slumber than the thought of the big yellow bus coming just for him.

Luckily I snapped a few first day photos on Kindergarten Eve to avoid the stress and darkness. We sailed through his morning routine in record speed and it was out the door in a flash. I really do feel like it is my rite as a mommy to drive my first born to school on the first day, but I couldn't dash his high hope dreams of the bus on the first day. That combined with the fact that they get the most help with the bus during the first week made my decision. Part of Kindergarten is letting go just a little more. Nothing like the sobering thought of sending your boy on the bus to release just a little more control.

He managed a whirl around the driveway with his Razor scooter anxiously waiting for his ride.

My heart swelled with pride over just how grown up my little man has become. I held it together only because I'm confident that he is ready. His excitement was contagious!

 

My boys...

Then we heard the bus and saw glimpses of flashing signals through the trees. Big yellow made it's way to the driveway. The doors opened and we waved to Ms. Sharon. The next few minutes were in slow motion as Miller's years flashed before me. We've worked so hard to get to this day.

He paused briefly before sitting with C & H. Kindergarten boys sit together.

Then I did just what every other craaaaazy helicopter Kindergarten mom does. I loaded up in my car to deliver his nap mat to school {and secretly spy} on my little man's morning routine. My fears of him not making it to his room were alleviated. He arrived safely after all happily adjusted and chatting with a friend. No pictures in the room:( I didn't want to upset the routine. Kissed my boy on the cheek...and I was off. {sigh}
The days are long and the years are short!

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten....

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

And as he prepared

Miller was excited

And not the slightest bit scared

He tossed and he turned

About in his bed

With visions of the school bus dancing in his head 

 

Markers and Glue and snacks galore

We packed up his bookbag

And placed by the door

His outfit was pressed

and hung on the doorknob with care

Knowing that Kindergarten soon would be there

New shoes & new socks

laid out on the floor

It's up and at em' early

to rush out the door


Sweet dreams sweet preschool boy. When you awake you'll magically be in Kindergarten! Oh my!

Meet and Greet and a Cruise

We spent most of our morning anxiously waiting to see just what teacher Miller man would have this year. At 9:15 on the nose we were making our way past the crowds to the front of the school to pour over the class lists. It's nice not to be disappointed or elated over the big news. I know absolutely nothing about any of the four teachers. It's refreshing that we can carve out our own history together this year.

Miller wasn't even a hint nervous. No butterflies, no anxiety, no fears {yet}. He makes this transition easy on me. I think I just might lose it if I was having to counsel him on top of coaching myself that it's all going to be o.k. It was refreshing to run into a former co-worker in the county who is the new counselor at the school. This connection eased my jitters about Miller being taken care of. We toured the cafeteria {small in size to the mega lunchroom of last year} and became a PTA member after ordering our "Wolfie Wear". Miller's bummed though that they sold out of XS shirts. Looks like he'll be waiting until October to sport his school spirit on Fridays.

We made our way down the cozy Kindergarten wing. I just love the size of this neighborhood school. At each door, we read the signs to find our way. And, then we spotted Ms. N******'s bulletin board and doorway...the very last room.  It's a Chica Chica Boom Boom class theme. There was our Miller's name written on a coconut. Something about seeing his name written around the classroom melts this former teacher's heart. I just know the time and care it takes to get a room up and running. Miller sweetly said hi to Ms, N and we were won over with the para-pro Ms. R. I'm already hearing the buzz that they work so well together. It was nice to introduce ourselves to the principal so Miller can spot her around the school. Our bus driver Ms. S just happened to be at the front of the school answering questions..so I was relieved that Miller was able to meet her.  All in all, our first introduction to the school went over fabulously.

Our Kindergarten Cruise met us bright and early on Friday morning at 7:02. I love that the county offers this trial run for kids and parents. Our stop just so happens to be in front of the driveway...now how's that for roadside service? Ms, Sharon was our guide teaching all the rules of the bus to the kids. She's been driving this same route for 25 years. I'm feeling so much better about shipping my boy off on the bus.

As you can see, bus riding is the best privilege of  Kindergarten in his book!
I'm so proud of Miller as he embarks on this new adventure. It seems like yesterday we were packing his bag for preshool.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Kindergarten Count Down

It's the last week of our preschool summer. Where or where did it go? Our last week of sleeping in. We sprinkled back to school errands in between days of play. Miller posed for me at Kids Kuts Salon for his clean up haircut. I couldn't send him off to Kindergarten with untamed locks. He reluctantly posed after Ms. Amanda gave him the final comb over with her wet comb.

We got caught in a rainstorm at East Cobb Park after our picnic. Miller now insists on a sporty look when we go out. He'd love to wear athletic shorts and jerseys to church if we let him. It took him awhile but he now has voiced his opinion. Sometimes I feel like I am a "Play at Home Mom" Thankful for these opportunities to just be there and play with the littles.

We took a family trip to Cold Stone in our jammies {well, the kids at least}.

Our lil missy took a little excursion to the Disney Store with her grandparents.  She came home sporting a perfectly princess t-shirt. I have to wash it everyday as it is her new favorite item. We're practicing the name of each character. She's got it down.

She's not one to stay seated long. Although, we're working on being still.

We printed off Miller's school supply list online and took a mommy and me trip to pick out just the right supplies. This was a big deal in Miller's little Kindergarten world. He had an opinion on choosing blue scissors with a special cover. Cute labels were printed and ready to be stuck on every item. There is so much to do to on the countdown to Kindergarten.

Miller practiced writing his name everyday to be Kindergarten ready.  He concentrates and performs to his full potential when Jinx the little kitty watches him form his letters.
It's bittersweet to send my first born off to school. Here we go!