Permanent Record

Yesterday was Mizz's first day of kindergarten! Needless to say, I have spent the last few days trying to get a handle on my feelings surrounding this momentous event. For months I have been saying how excited I am and how ready Mizz is for school. His reading and math skills are incredible. He can build complex structures and trouble shoot mechanical problems better than I can. He has also made great strides in his ability to work cooperatively with his friends and, in general, acts really responsible. But as the first day of school loomed closer, I have to admit that I started to feel this general sense of anxiety. Sure images of Mizz getting lost, or worse, being bullied floated through my head. But, I think what made yesterday surreal to me in many ways is that Mizz is now part of a system way bigger than me and Dave. Our influence is still huge obviously, but he is going to have lots of other influences as well, not all of which I can control. Also, he is going to be held more and more accountable and I will only be able to help him so much. As I type this the phrase, "sink or swim" comes to mind.


But enough about me. I'm sure there a number of readers (read grandparents) that are dying to know how the Mizz did yesterday. Well he was beyond excited at breakfast and thrilled by his new, red backpack. We were lucky enough to have Grandpa and Tutu with us to send Mizz off and Mizz was treating to his favorite pancake breakfast. Mizz held my hand the whole five blocks. He was excited to see all the other kids walking but as we got closer he seemed to grow more shy. By the time we got into the very bustling classroom he was in full fledged shy mode. There was definitely a lot to take in with 20 or so kids, some younger siblings and the accompanying parents. Mizz deposited his school supplies in the proper bins and after some hugs from me and Dave settled down on the carpet with the other kiddos. And then Dave, D, and I left. It really was weird not really knowing the teacher or the classroom routines or really anything. Having worked at the kids' preschool for so long, I have taken my insider status for granted.


At 2:15 I excitedly picked up the Mizz. He was waiting out with his class in the breezeway between the two buildings with a crown on his head. Pretty adorable! He answered my questions one by one. Yes, he had fun and got to play with the other kids. Yes, he played outside. Yes, he ate his lunch, and did I know that some kids got to buy their lunches!!?? Yes, he thought his teacher was nice, smart, and helpful. He didn't know if he had done any art! Yada, yada, yada.

Oh, and he had already lost his lunch box. So, it is day two and I will already be visiting the lost and found.