Navigating the hilly terrain of motherhood
Now that we are entering fall (while slowly releasing our grip on summer), the four of us — actually, the six of us — are renewing our traditional weekend walk in the woods. This involves a lot of running and exploring, finding walking sticks, chatting with strangers about our lovable bear-dog, and engaging in pretend play (like "rocketship"). But the best part, for me at least, is that we're all out enjoying nature together. Because isn't that what it's all about?
For the past few weeks, we've been marveling at the grasshoppers (or are they crickets?) in our yard. Grace even caught a couple for observation. So, when Tess found out that her class is studying insects and that the kids are invited to bring in bugs of any kind, Tess made it clear that she wanted to bring a grasshopper. And so today, day #4 of Kindergarten, it was finally dry enough in the yard to catch one. And boy oh boy was that kid excited. She named him Tiny. Tiny went to school (I peeked in during lunch and he was on the table next to her), and then to horseback riding. And then he was allowed to return to his family in our grass. He had better go into hiding, though, because Tess wants to take him back to school next week.
The girls apparently LOVE school, because for the past two days they have come home and played school together. Grace's "school" has taken over the living room (literally, I cannot access the door to the basement). Of course, Grace is the teacher and Tess is the student. I'm not allowed in the room while they are playing this, but I gather that Grace is teaching Tess how to read. And apparently the daily, double dose of school is making her very, very tired. It's a good thing Grace's school has a comfy rest area.
Yep, they were ready for the first day of school. They had their new backpacks, funky outfits, and shiny sneakers. The countdown was finally complete.
First we walked Grace into her room, and she said a quick goodbye then walked off to greet her friends. It was no big deal — just the kind of farewell you would expect from a happy, comfortable second-grader. Then we walked Tess next door to the Kindergarten classroom, where the teacher was unspooling yarn to create a spiderweb throughout the classroom (they are studying insects). We helped Tess get her cubby organized, and she placed a family photo at the top. Then, as promised, she gave me one hug. She kissed my hand (and Adam's), and I kissed hers — a sweet gesture from a favorite book about the first day of school. And then, as she was playing in the web with a classmate, we walked out. She smiled and gave a quick wave, and I saved my tears for the parking lot. When I came back to pick her up, she was holding a small jar containing a potato bug. Her teacher said she had saved it all afternoon to show me. I think she may have missed me after all — just a little.
Last Thursday was Meet the Teacher Day at the girls' school. They got to hang out in their classrooms, visit with their classmates, and have a school-wide picnic. Grace had not been too excited about the prospect of returning to school until she was actually there and remembered how much fun it is. Tess, however, had been excited for several days already, and actually seeing her teacher and hanging out in the Kindergarten classroom (check out the loft with the reading nook!) just about put her over the edge. Plus, she made a new friend during her brief time there (thank goodness, because she is the only girl with four boys, so she had better like them!).
As soon as we got back home after Meet the Teacher Day, that sweet child packed up her backpack — slippers and all — and put it by the door, then chose her first-day outfit and laid it on her bedroom floor. And she's been counting down the days every since. This morning she carefully washed her new lunchbox, and gave me detailed instructions as to what she would like me to pack in it. She is SO excited, and so very ready for Kindergarten. This evening Tess informed me: "Mom, Kindergarten is going to be a blast, and I'm not going to miss you at all."
Her absolute certainty does lessen the blow a bit — I suppose my heart won't break quite so much when I leave her at the school in the morning. And it is certainly comforting to know that she's not worried about this big change. So, tomorrow I will smile as I receive my one kiss and one hug (because I've been informed that's all I'm going to get), and I'll hold back my tears as I turn and wave goodbye. But afterwards, when Tess isn't looking, I will shed a tear or two as I go about my day without my littlest buddy by my side.
Adam had Friday off in honor of his birthday, and we headed to Popham Beach. Best. Beach day. Ever.
Apparently, the fearless, water-loving apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
We're so proud.
Today was the big guy's birthday, and to celebrate, our very sweet friends took us out on their boat. We saw seals and searched for shells on the beach of a small island. What a great way to spend a special day (and also, what a great place to live)!
I think it says a lot about those two that in week 12 of summer togetherness, they still completely enjoy each other's company. And actually, I still completely enjoy their company, too. I'm going to miss them next week.
Wondering where I've been all this time? Here's one answer… after all, summers in Maine are short. We have to make the most of them!
Travelingjenny 