New Routine

In January 2014, in this post about Rosie starting preschool, I wrote: One of my very good friends had assured me earlier: "The first day is the toughest drop-off but also the best pick-up."

As it turns out, the very same thing was true for the first day of Kindergarten, 1 year and 8 months later. It was so tough watching the bus drive away with my little girl inside, but I eagerly waited outside 8 hours later for her return. I loved seeing the small, sleepy smile as she got out off that bus. I hugged her eagerly and fought every urge to bombard her with questions.

She was quiet as we walked up the driveway, and, in that moment, I understood my daughter better than I ever had before. She needed quiet in order to recharge, just like I do. It had been a long day! Now was not the time to try to draw details out of her. I offered her a snack and let her veg in front of the TV. I dove into her backpack to see what she had come with (yes, I'm that parent.) Sure enough, there was a folder, with one side labelled "Keep at home" and the other labelled "Return to school." Clever! I liked this teacher already.

Buddy woke up from his nap and Steve came home from his first day of teaching this year. We brought some munchies outside and hung out as a family while Steve grilled. It might have been my imagination, but we all seemed to be a little nicer to one another. Maybe because after a summer of togetherness, we had, all four of us, spent some time away from each other that day.

At supper, I started asking Rosie some questions that I had learned from my best mom friend that she uses with her sons. "What was the happiest / saddest / most surprising part of your day?" You know what, it worked! It was like a game to her, and she started sharing things about what had happened. I do have to report that tonight I tried that tactic again tonight without success. It might not be an every day thing.

It's interesting around here getting used to this whole new routine. As the bus whisked Rosie away yet again this morning, I found myself slightly emotional, really realizing that this was going to happen every weekday. I know I've been lucky to be with her so much up until this point, but I am going to miss her.

I love that girl with every fiber of my being.