Welcome to First Grade

Exactly how did I go and get myself a first grader? Seriously, is he really old enough to be in first grade? It's true, it's very, very true. As the day drew closer for school to start, Carter begged to ride the bus to school. I couldn't bare the thought so he still rides with me. However, I do let him ride in the afternoons. Baby steps, right?

Day one of this new adventure started with smiles and his favorite, Lucky Charms. Not necessarily the best breakfast in the world but it's what he wanted. Is it normal for momma's to get a little choked up as these milestones pass? Life as a mother is so bittersweet. I love seeing him learn new things and growing but I really do wish there was some way I could bottle up the littleness of him.

After the routine first day of school pictures, we were off to school. He was grinning from ear to ear. He definitely is not shy. He was roaring to go!  School started back a few days before his birthday. Typically it starts right after his birthday. He was super excited that for once he'd get to be the kid in class celebrating his birthday. That Friday he proudly wore his birthday boy shirt and we celebrated with cupcakes.

The school year is well underway now (I'm blogging in February 2012... so far behind). Carter is doing great and loving every minute. He reads like a champ!! They have an Accelerated Reading (A.R.) program at his school and I'm proud to say he's in the top five for his class!!  Way to go, Carter-bug!! He's in the walk-run club and will be running in the Gate River Run this Spring. Super exciting.

He also ran his first race back in the winter. It was just over a mile and he finished strong with Travis at his side.

Science Night

Carter was super excited about Science night at his school.  There were different stations set up all over the school.  His favorite was the fishing boat where he was able to cast his line.  He smiled and grinned from ear to ear.  He was even more happy when he found out he was getting his very own fishing pole, tackle box, and t-shirt.






I can't believe we are over half way through his first year of school. We had a great time spending the evening with this cool little guy!  Love you Cart-bug!

Watch out Kindergarten, HERE COMES CARTER!!!!

Twas the night before kindergarten and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. My Carter was ready, excited no doubt... tomorrow starts kindergarten, they'd better watch out!!!!



This morning came and went without any problems. Little man was awakened by his alarm clock, also known as, Tucker. When I made my way to his room Travis already had Tucker perched on Carter's bed watching Thomas the Train. Carter was lying there looking at me like are you kidding me, you want me to get up?!  He's certainly my child, no question about it!  He finally pulled himself out of bed. Just like his mother did when she was a child, he grumbled about breakfast, and said he'd just wait for lunch. I couldn't argue with him, I hated eating breakfast before school.  Just ask my mom, she fought many, many mornings!!! I'm not ready to fight him just yet, LOL!!



After a few minutes the chipper, talkative Carter we all know and love was coming alive. He was dressed so pretty (yes I just said pretty... I know he's a boy, but he's pretty to me!), I just smiled. My heart was so excited, nervous, anxious, and a few butterflies were swarming in my stomach but not for long. How can you be sad when you see a child that is so ready?!  I remember my first day of kindergarten, I walked up the ramp to my classroom opened the door, closed it and left my parents standing there. I knew deep down, given the opportunity Carter would leave me standing on the porch. He's ready, he's independent, and I can't argue with that because I'm pretty much looking at myself this morning, just 25 years later.



We spiked his hair, brushed his teeth, made sure his bag and lunch box were ready and we were off. Nana called as we were pulling out the driveway. He got his Nana pep talk, and we were off. I think she's more nervous than I am. As we came over the big hill before his school the excitement grew to a new level. We passed in front of the school looking for a parking space and he rolled down his window and said, "it's my school Momma, it's my school!!!"  I knew at that moment, I'd be standing on the steps of the classroom if I wasn't careful.



He walked up to that school as big as a giant. No fear, no worries, he was there and wanted everyone to know it! Honestly there wasn't a bit of hesitation whatsoever! The teachers that were meeting students had us go to the cafeteria to wait until the bell sounded. When we got there, he went to walk in but looked back to see that I had fallen behind a bit, it was at that moment I saw the hesitation. I told him to go on in, he said, "are you coming with me?" We walked in together. I must admit though, I needed that little bit of 'I need you momma' from him. He may be growing up, fearless of most things, but he still needs me even though he likes to play tough. As we waited he saw some old friends, and met some new ones. As he talked to his friend, Jacbo, I over heard Jacob talking about playing football. The conversation of ball dropped, and then I heard Carter say...."what do you think of those girls over there?!" Lord help me, I'm in so much trouble with this mini Casanova!  I told him we didn't need to be concerned with little girls. Be their friends, but pay attention to the teacher and our class work.  Secretly I was praying he would drop the girl situation, NOW!  A few more minutes we waited in the cafeteria and then his teacher arrived. From there we were off to class.

***The first signs of a school age child, "Shh! Don't say I love you!" and so it begins!***

There he sat in the classroom where he'd spend his first year. Dolphins lined the window, seashells lined the wall. It would be in this very room he'd learn so many new things, and I'd have to learn to let go and really watch him grow up before my eyes. Still no tears, but a heart flooding with joy and happiness. They finished watching the morning announcements, found a place on the rug for story time. I walked over, kissed him and told him to have a super day. Then I quietly stood at the back for another minute or two. Tucker and I then walked quietly out the door. As I looked back through the window, it was happening... I was the mom on the porch. My baby was spreading his wings and showing me how independent he was. I smiled big, and walked away. As I walked, I laughed to myself and thought... please Lord, don't let his little talkative, energetic self get into too much trouble today! I'm so very proud. It's 11:32, and I'm anxiously awaiting the moment I can go get him. I can't wait to hear all about his day and the stories he has for me!  

Carter, you made me very proud this morning! You looked handsome as ever, and it was a joy to see how excited you were to start kindergarten!  I hope that your year is filled with great memories. I look forward to all the new things you'll learn, and watching you spread your wings even more. I love you more and more with each passing day!  Thank you for being such a ray of sunshine in my life. Now take off, and enjoy!!!  

All my love, hugs, and kisses!

~xoxo~

Momma

Backpacks, pencils, crayons...

Backpack, CHECK!
Crayons, CHECK!
Glue, CHECK!
Tissues, CHECK!
Scissors, CHECK!
Mom ready for this.... UNCHECKED!

As the Summer draws to a screeching halt, the reality that I have a kindergartner on my hands is not feeling so real. I feel like I'm in a dream and that Carter should still be about 2!  I know, I know as my cousin Justin told me the other day, "get a tissue and get a grip Mom!" Yep, that's how he told it to me. Blunt, to the point, and a little cold hearted! ;)

All joking aside, I'm ready. I'm sure I'll shed a tear or two come Tuesday of next week but knowing that he is so excited and ready just blesses my soul. He's been talking about his friends, and the school, his teacher for weeks now. How could I dare let him know that I don't want him to grow up?!

Tuesday morning will be here much sooner than I'd like, but we'll deal with it. I'll suck it up, grab a tissue and get a grip. We have his meet and greet this coming up Friday, I hope his teacher Ms. Branson knows what she's in for. My Carter is sure to make it an interesting year!!! Shall I warn her, or let her figure it out on her own?!  :)

Kindergarten or Bust baby!!!!!!

The time has come

On April 19, we made our way to the local school where Carter will attend kindergarten in the fall. As we pulled in the parking lot he was so excited to get a sneak peek at his new school. I on the other hand a bit more anxious.  We pass by the school everyday heading to his preschool and he asks, "momma, is that where I will go to school soon?"  I assure him that he will and he talks about all the fun he will have when he gets there. It warms my heart, but breaks it at the same time.

As we walked up the ramp to the main entrance, he opened the door. I was still trying to push the stroller through, when I hear, "Hey Carter!" I was thinking, oh stars... they already know him, that can't be a good sign!  I shall not tell a lie. I have myself a very active little boy. He's typical, he doesn't like to sit still too long. He likes to run, jump, make loud noises, but what little boy doesn't?  I couldn't think of anyone that would be at the school that should know him. As I made it further in the door, I saw that it was Travis' cousin Jennifer who is a kindergarten teacher.  I was so relieved to see that it was her! :)  She will not be teaching K5 next year, she will be a guidance counselor.

I made my way to the registration table, and Carter was in awe of all the cool stuff in the room. His friend Cody was there also signing up for the fall classes.  As I sat there filling out all the paper work I made comment that I felt like I was signing him up for boot camp or something!  Paper after paper, name after name. I was signing him up in a way, for the next 13 years of his life.  Poor kid, he has no clue what he's in for! :)

As we left they gave him a goodie bag filled with school supplies to start the year off.  He was so excited, and then extremely bummed to find out that he would not be going to that school the next day. He still asks me every morning if that's where he is going to school that day and I reply, each morning, no son not today.  It makes me excited to see him start this next chapter, but it also makes the reality of him not being a little guy anymore. I love having him home with us, I love hearing his giggle down the hall, and now knowing that kindergarten starts in just 103 days, my heart longs to make him a baby again. Don't tell me how outrageously ridiculous I am, I know.  I just can't believe that he is signed up for kindergarten and there's no slowing him down.

As these 103 days pass by, you are all sure to hear me complain, grumble, and cry about him going to kindergarten. I keep teasing that I may need meds to get through this!