Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack started Kindergarten this week.   He was a little anxious about it, but excited nonetheless.  The day before school started we attended an open house.  He was able to meet his teacher and see his classroom.  His teacher is very sweet and was highly praised when I mentioned her name to other staff members.  His classroom is well equipped with great technology and lots of fun learning areas.  Spending a few minutes checking things out and seeing a familiar face calmed Jack’s nerves (as well as mine.)

On the morning of the first day, Jack had a yummy breakfast and got dressed for the day.  He wears a uniform, so tucking in his shirt, buttoning his buttons and threading a belt through the loops is a new thing.  With a little help from Daddy he was ready in no time and excited to get to school.  We packed up his backpack and headed out the door.  My husband and I (and Tate) dropped Jack off in his classroom.  He quickly found his seat and started coloring a worksheet.  As I was trying to fight back tears, he carried on a conversation with other kids at his table.  I snapped a few pictures and hurried out out of the room so he could get on with his day.

When he returned home from school his daddy and I asked him lots of questions.  How was your day?  What did you do?  Did you like the cafeteria?  I bet recess was fun, right?  He gave a quick synopsis of his day and told us he had a great day at Kindergarten.  I was relieved to hear him say he had fun.  He enjoyed the library, had fun at lunch, listed every rule in the classroom and assured us he didn’t go to the principal’s office.  We were thankful for that.

I’m looking forward to this school year.  I hope to be involved in as many activities as I can, hoping Tate will let me.   Jack’s attitude is right on track, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
In the interest of getting Haley some more interaction with other children, and getting me over my nervousness of her interacting with other children, Haley and I attended “Toy Time” at our local library. It went pretty well. She wasn’t fazed by all of the toys to play with and kids in attendance. She went right to it. I hovered a little bit more than the other parents, but I’m not used to seeing Haley take a toy away from a kid or running into a baby with a push toy. I feel like I need to start teaching her what the right things are from the beginning, even if she doesn’t totally get it just yet. Once she gets the hang of the socialization, I will hang back and let the children sort themselves out.

At one point, Haley decided to run all over the playroom, hugging—and sometimes kissing—everyone she saw. No one hugged her back, but some kids allowed her to hug them. Others kind of pushed her off and/or ran away. I felt bad that she was invading their personal space, and worse that she was being rejected—not that she noticed or cared. There was a bit of an age range of kids, so that had some impact on all of the interactions.

At one point Haley grabbed a puzzle piece from a little boy, and I stopped her and gave it back to him. The boy’s dad was standing right there, and I sheepishly apologized. He laughed back at me saying, “They all do that.” He was probably thinking, ‘What is wrong with this woman?’

I didn’t interact with the other parents a ton, but the few I talked to were friendly. I met two moms with kids Haley’s age. I have to admit when I met the first boy I thought, ‘Wow, Haley can’t dunk the ball in the hoop like that.’ When I met the other mom and we shared ages, I could see her checking Haley out. Her son was less comfortable walking than Haley. It goes to show that every child moves at his own pace.

I am glad that I went to the playgroup and got over my initial fear. I think it’s just a matter of me getting used to the jungle of the playground. I’m sure in time I will be as comfortable there as Haley is.

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
Yes, you read that right. No, it’s not just because when I was four my biggest problem in life was whether I could have a cookie after dinner. So this post is kind of a confession about why I wish – for just a day or two – I could be Andrew.

I’ve been talking for forever about actually putting my writing talents to use by doing a book. My 4 year old beat me to it. Tonight he came home from Nana’s house with his first book (self-published, of course) all about his recent trip to New Orleans.

It had pictures and he made up all the words to go with it. Granted, a lot of the words were “Hip Hip Hooray! (insert something really cool he did in New Orleans.” But still, I think it’s awesome my kid is putting me to shame…and rumor has it, it’s good to foster your kid’s creative side.

So I’m going to brag to the entire universe about him. And I’m a mom, so that’s my right. I can just hear my grandmas now bragging to everyone THEY know…and strangers on the bus. Because that’s their job 😉

Andrew is currently watching the US play volleyball against Brazil, while playing basketball and talking about soccer. Think we have a little jock on our hands? I’m totally jealous of him because (not only has he written a book before me) but he gets to run the bases at Yankee Stadium after the game on Saturday… I am so excited for him. And me! Because I get to go down on the field with me (sorry Hubby, but only one of us gets to go!). But I think someone might have to restrain me from running around the bases with him…

I’m reallly eager to get this weekend started so we can get to the part where we’re all cheering Andrew on! Hope it’s a great weekend for you too.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
We are big fans of the Olympics.  Whether it’s the summer or winter games, we’re always proud to cheer for the USA.  The last summer Olympics Jack was just a year old.  I remember trying to explain to him what the Olympics were about as well as each sport that was included.  He was clueless, but cheered right along with us.  This year, Jack understands what competition is about and the importance of teamwork.  He is loving the games and demonstrating some new sports himself.

Jack watched parts of the opening ceremonies and asked a lot of questions.  We utilized his globe to find each country when it was introduced.  I’m not sure Jack clearly understands just how big our planet is, but for now he thinks he can ride his bike to Armenia.  Wow, he should try cycling in the future.  He enjoyed the music, fireworks and especially the cauldron of lights.  Jack got a history lesson about the Olympic torch.  We thought it would be fun to make our own pretend torch.  An empty water bottle, paper and markers is all it takes.

So far, Jack’s favorite sport to watch is diving.  He is all about the diving board at the pool right now, so I’m pretty sure this is why it’s his favorite.  He (as well as I) are amazed at how two people can time the exact move at the exact time.  Today at the pool he tried a “4 1/2 somersault”.  It was quite an attempt, but will need a lot of practice.  We’ve been using the swimming races as a motivator in the pool.  He watches the different strokes performed and he likes to show me his version in the pool.  I think it’s great that he loves the Olympics, and even better that he likes to act them out.  He’s getting a taste of everything and judging what he thinks looks best.

We’re looking forward to watching other sports throughout the next couple of weeks.  I wonder what else Jack will try to pick up?  Who knows, maybe I’ll have an Olympian some day!

Go USA!