Handling Transitions Like a Boss!

Maliana ~

This week was huge for making strides in the school department, both at daycare and in preparation for beginning kindergarten next month. As for daycare, we have had some unfortunate changes take place at your current school and therefore decided to switch you to a new school that is literally within 2 minutes of where you were and only 5 minutes from your soon-to-be elementary school. Daddy and I toured it on Monday and by Tuesday you had begun a week of mornings there (and afternoons at your old school) to make the transition a little easier. On Monday night, I took you shopping for kindergarten school supplies and I am so glad that I did because it definitely got you more on board to try out a new daycare the very next morning.

with all of your school supplies on
the way out of Target

1st of many lunches I will pack for you

You surprised both of us on Tuesday morning by marching into school all on your own, armed with your own brand new fire engine lunchbox, and joined right in after being greeted at the door by about 4 of your new classmates.

hot shot!!

The rest of the week went just as well, if not continuously better, and by Friday you were just one of the gang there and so excited to give me the tour of your new classroom. I did my first pick up of you just before lunch that day where I found you outside playing baseball with your new teacher, Ms. Barb, who was pitching while you were batting. She seems very nice and Daddy and I both love how she really gets in there and mixes it up with you kids. When we saw her wearing swim goggles and water wings to engage with the other kids' imaginary play during Daddy and I's initial visit to the school, we were sold. During the tour of your room, you told me that you were the flag holder that day and proceeded to explain that you all say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. Then you recited (most of) it for me! So proud of how well you are doing with such a big change. I don't think that I would have done as well as you are when I was a kid. It makes me feel so good to see you flourishing. Change is inevitable in life. It can be hard and scary sometimes, but none of us can grow unless we are open to it. So happy that you seem to welcome it with open arms. You're going to be a better person than I'll ever be, kiddo.

Along with all of the excitement over your new school, you did have some concerns too. They mainly revolved around missing your friends. We talked through your worries the best we could and you seemed to be doing fine all in all. Daddy, on the other hand, not so much. His struggle brought to light one of the myriad reasons that I love him dearly. On Thursday he appeared to be angry when I came home from work, but as I asked him more about it, he became very sad and ended up crying. His anger was just a mask for his heartache at this transition. He described how hard it was to pick you up on this final day at your old school because you were closing a rather long and happy chapter of your life. He related how you will also be starting kindergarten soon and embarking on a whole new (and unknown) chapter of your life. By the time you have completed this next challenge (elementary then middle then high school), you will be an adult. He was feeling so sentimental, fully realizing that your baby and toddler days are over, for good. Parting ways with the daycare where we dropped you off for the first time ever and where you learned so much and grew into the little person that you are today brought all of these memories and revelations flooding over him. I had no idea what to say, partly because I was feeling so many of these emotions as well. I just stood there and let him cry, absorb and process it all. Take it in and breathe through it. It was tough. But as tough as it was, I'm so glad that Daddy allowed me in. I am so glad that he let me see where he was vulnerable. I am so glad that he is absorbing your childhood so much that he felt this transition as (if not more) deeply as you. Contrary to some peoples' popular belief, it takes much more strength and courage for people to share the places where they are "raw", than to just fake it and act tough. Not allowing (trusted) others into your sensitive places is the surest way to not have any meaningful relationships in life. Since we had this talk, he is feeling better. I'm glad. And I'm very thankful for a husband and a father who is brave enough to share this journey with you so deeply.

As for the rest of the week, you headed out to Lao Lao's a couple evenings and spent time on the farm, helping her with chores and checking out her animals. You came home with a new resolve to get a pair of big, tall, rubbery "chore boots" like Lao Lao's...this after telling her "I really like your boots!" (Why do I get the sneaking suspicion that if we buy you a pair of these that they will be worn with everything?!) Another night you needed to become "super hero Mali" and rescue her when she locked her keys inside and you were the only one who could fit through her bathroom window to go unlock the front door (Grandpa Rick and Uncle Forge are out of town). Now we can officially call you a "super hero" and have a story to go with it. Ha. Audrey also came over later in the week and we enjoyed hanging out outside, you playing with the neighborhood kids, and all of us soaked up the unseasonably cool near autumn temperatures. Our kitchen also became a tattoo parlor of sorts, with me applying many various tattoos to lots of different little arms, legs, knees, and feet in the neighborhood. Love these lazy summer nights where anything goes.

After picking you up from a fantastic week at your new school on Friday, we headed down to the Columbus Commons to meet Pam and Jack for a picnic and an afternoon of summer fun. We enjoyed the commons and then headed a couple of blocks over to the fountains at the Scioto Mile. It was the perfect way to cool off from the hot sun. You both had a blast and it's always nice to spend time with good friends.

in the fountain with Pam and Jack

we set our quilt over the bike racks at Scioto Mile and
it made the perfect changing room for you kids!

You made a new friend in the neighborhood this week too...Juan. He is about your age and will (hopefully) be in your kindergarten class next month. He is very polite and considerate...and persistent. Every time we turn around, he is at the front door. A bit much (especially early on a Sunday morning) but very cute. He used to go to your old daycare (that's how you recognized each other in the first place) and now he may begin at your new daycare after we referred his mother to check it out. If he really is in your kindergarten class this fall, it will be so nice to know someone on that first day.

As for our weekend, we invited Lao Lao and wrapped it up with a trip to Slate Run Farm on Sunday. It's always nice to step back in time and have a fun, relaxing afternoon there, and learn a thing or two in the process.

watching the old-fashioned horse-powered threshing machine

grinding corn for the lambs and chicks

pee yew! those turkeys stink!

feeding the sheep

4 day old calf...with a heart on her head
so cute!

pumping water for Mommy's water bottle

swingin'

"push me Mommy!"

Lao Lao had fun jumping out from behind the tree
and scaring you

giggles

silly Daddy making you laugh

a little help with the stilts

When we got home, you squeezed the last moments of the weekend out by taking a cruise with Braycen. No shirts and all tatted up...just a couple of 'dudes' out on the town. Ha.

Love,
Mama