3rd Grade

We're off and running.  3rd grade has officially commenced.  This is always a bag of worms over here - I'm more than ready to begin another school year from the perspective of a stay at home mom. More than ready.  Did I say "more?"   But there's a lot of deep breathing involved in watching his size 2's board the big yellow school bus.  In the midst of my constant struggle over what school environment is best suited for our little man, I have no choice but to take comfort in the circle of support and love he's surrounded with at his big, sensory stimulating, public school.  It might seem like he's being swallowed hole, but I do know, in my core, that he's not lost there.

We were awake at 5:15am, such is the case every first day of school, ate a big breakfast, spiked our hair (that custom ends quickly), posed for our driveway photograph session tradition and boarded the bus.  I then follow the bus, Squirt in tow, to greet him as he exits the bus and we walk to his line together.  The principal leads the flag ceremony and this year the rad teachers surprised the kids with a flash mob dance.  This caused my son's head to rise and his little body to start moving.  He can't help it.  Before the flash dance, he was seated, Indian style, with his necklace securely in his mouth, looking at the ground.  Every year.  He stood as soon as the dance began and danced along, which of course made me cry.  Doesn't take much on this particular day.  He danced his way into the building and didn't look back.  Good enough.  We left, me saying quiet prayers for the remainder of the year. Prayers for a good teacher connection.  Prayers for social and emotional growth.  Prayers for kindness to flow from him and to him.  Prayers for blossoming friendships that don't center around Mine Craft.  Prayers for peace in his little self and the ability to find his center in the storm.  Prayers for opportunities for creativity and innovation during his days.  Prayers for peace in my ever searching heart and for the ability to be still and let my son be my son.  He's gonna be great, with or without my worrying, but the prayers I can certainly hold on to.

Happy beginning of the school year to you and yours.