First Grade and Big Change

Maliana ~

Wow. I'm in shock. This week you began first grade. First grade! You can't be this old yet, can you? *sigh* I suppose you are...

So, the night before school started we went to the open house to check out your classroom and meet your teacher, Miss Stenger. When we walked in you were pretty shy and clingy, but she knew who you were and related to you so well that you started to relax. She even said that she remembered chatting with you last year while you waited in the bus line. Evidently, you are one "chatty Cathy" with the teachers at school, a comment we've heard on more than one occasion. Also, a week prior to the open house I had sent Miss Stenger an email. I introduced myself (and you) and gave her a little information about what kind of kid you are and the ups and downs of your summer, as well as offering to help her in any way I can, if needed. One of the things I had mentioned in my email was a little bit about how, because of your short hair and choice of clothing, you have been sometimes mistaken for a boy and it's been hard for you from time to time (depending on how the other kid is approaching his "observations"). Well, Miss Stenger sweetly shared a personal story about how she was also a tomboy as a kid and only loved to play sports. She told us that she too had short hair (a 'bowl cut' to be precise, which you thought sounded pretty funny) and about how her sister would mercilessly tease her growing up. Basically, she let us know that she "gets it"...she "gets" you. I was so relieved. Once again, the universe has placed you with a teacher that seems to be a wonderful fit. I am so hopeful that this will be a very good year for you.

getting a glimpse of your new classroom

the note from your goodie bag from Miss Stenger

school supply collection for this year...Transformers
and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The night before school, I read you the special letter that I also shared with you last year about being grateful, kind and brave. I borrowed this letter from the blogger, Momastery, because I fell in love with the sentiment and her tradition of reading it to her kiddo the night before the first day of school. I hope to do the same for you. I actually keep our version of the letter up on the fridge year round; the message is just too good to put away for a whole 364 days. Every August we'll remind ourselves anew what it's all about...being kind, brave and grateful. We've got two years done so far, let's see if we can keep it up.

I also had fun leaving you little surprises for the next day, to remind you of how much you are loved while you're away at school all day.

a special card in your backpack and
my infamous banana message

The morning of your first day, you were so excited that you woke up an hour early! As we got you all ready for school, you requested a mohawk (just like we did for your last day of school). Given some of the issues we've had with kids this summer at daycare due to your short hair and choice of clothing, I wanted to make sure you had some good responses in case you got questioned about it. I advised that kids might ask you about your mohawk and if so, I asked how you would respond. You replied, "I'll just tell them I like mohawks!" Then I asked how you might respond if they asked you if you're a boy, to which you replied, "I'll just tell them I'm a girl who likes short hair and mohawks...or, I won't say anything because it just doesn't matter!" ...Well, alright! I guess you have yourself more than covered with some good responses to silly questions from other kids. Sometimes I am in awe of your wisdom which extends well beyond your young years. Carry on, my little warrior...carry on.

proud mom and dad

Once we actually got to school, you clammed up a bit and got shy and nervous. There were so many bigger kids and it was pretty chaotic. You even used my arm and hand as a make-shift silkie for comfort. Poor thing. Your teacher was very sweet and welcoming and you did see some kids you knew, but when it was time to march into school with your class and leave Daddy and me at the door, you broke down and cried big elephant tears. It broke my heart. Daddy and I ended up walking you all the way to your classroom amid empathetic looks and "aww"'s from other parents as we walked by. I couldn't look at any of them or I knew for sure that I would break down and start crying too. Once settled in your classroom seat, Daddy and I were able to sneak away all the while the teacher was reassuring us she would call if anything happened throughout the day. I really like and trust Miss Stenger. Even so, I said little prayers for you as I drove on to work. 

with Miss Stenger
(you can see the reluctancy on your face...
furrowed brow and closed eyes)

At pick up, you went straight in for a hug as soon as you emerged from the front doors of the school. I was chomping at the bit to hear all about your day, but you were just not ready to tell us much of anything yet, mentally drained from an entire day of new experiences. As we spent time at Taco Bell, and then later at Easton, you opened up a bit more about some stuff and your day sounded like it went ok. Jos had made you a friendship bracelet that she gave you before school started, so after school we went to Jeni's and then Claire's at Easton to get "best friends" necklaces that you both can wear. We dropped them off on the way home and you got to play with both Jos and Dylan. You ran around and laughed...any stress of the day was forgotten and I was relieved to see you back to your normal self. All in all, I think I was more nervous about your first day of school than you were. It's harder than I thought it would be to watch your child go through new and unknown experiences without you. Oh well. I guess it's something I will definitely need to get used to, huh? 

right after school with Jos...still giving me that hug

When I packed your lunch that night, I noticed that you had held onto your banana with my special note. You told me that you couldn't eat it because it was too cute. Sweetie. Glad you appreciated it. 

As for the second day of school , thankfully it went great! You woke up all excited and ready to go, pumped for a new adventure. As you got ready, Daddy found out that you were just overwhelmed the day before but were prepared to have a really good day that day. I wondered about you all day and then at daycare pick up, you ran and jumped into my arms and told me that your day was great...which was the same thing that Ms. Jessica told me that you announced to her as soon as you got on the bus after school. I was so relieved! Sometimes your adaptability to new experiences astounds me. 


Finally Friday arrived and you woke up with a fantastic attitude from the get-go. You put on your Converse and brand new hat, then marched out the door to go to speech with me. You were in the best mood and even Ms. Katie made the comment about how much energy you had. I was worried about getting you to school on time but we did fine and I was even able to walk you up to the door and wait for your teacher with you. When Miss Stenger came out, she told me about how helpful of a kid you've been in her classroom this week. What a wonderful report to round out your first week at school. Proud of you, Monkey!

speech with Ms. Katie

When I picked you up at daycare that afternoon...this happened as shared with me by Ms. Jessica:
Mali (to the bus driver while getting settled on the bus after school) : "You need to get a new bus with seats that lean back."
Driver : "Why's that?"
Mali : "Because I'm exhausted!" #firstgraderproblems #divaintraining 

So, while your first week of school was clearly exhausting, it was also amusing. Here's a few pictures from the book you made on your first day of school. Adorable!

I love the girl's punk rock hair

awesome self portrait on the left

excited to learn about math;
nervous about starting school

comparison of our hands

That night you and Daddy went over to hang out with Jos, Dylan, and Chase while Kristy and I enjoyed an evening out. You kids were still going strong when we got home around 11pm. It's so nice that our families have gotten to spend time together and that you kids get along so well. 


Saturday was a big day and we were very busy helping Lao Lao make some big changes in her life. However before it all started, you and I enjoyed the morning's peace and quiet with a little breakfast and some mancala on our new front deck. I love mornings...they just may be my favorite time of day.

Sunday we got to spend a lot of time hanging out and doing some projects around the house before the craziness of the week started. As I opened my eyes, I heard your squeals from the kitchen. Lao Lao had made us all cocoa pancakes and you were so excited to help her surprise us with coffee in bed. You ate a ton of these pancakes (and plenty more food throughout the day) ~ no doubt a growth spurt in the making! In the afternoon, Daddy went to play foot golf with Uncle Kevin and Joey but you decided to hang around at home with me. I gotta tell ya, it was really nice to have your company. Our conversations are evolving as you get older and I love the banter we share back and forth. Plus, it's utterly adorable to watch you take on chores to help me out. You feel so proud to be given bigger responsibilities. I love it!

working on scuffing up our new bistro table
so we can put some new paint on it

thankfully you actually like to use sand paper...
I don't ~ gives me the willies!

spraying off the dust...

working hard...until...

you found this puddle!

Uncle Flint stopped by that night and had dinner with us. I'm glad he did and it was good to see the two of you enjoying your time together. He loves to tease you and of course, you had to challenge him to a game of mancala before he headed home.

Have a great 2nd week of school, Monkey!
Love,
Mama