10 Years Old (I can't do math months anymore)

My Wyatt,

Double digits.  Jeez.  You are making me feel old.  Nana told me that at 10, most of the hard work of parenting is over.  That your life will now be more influenced by the outside world then myself.  That I should hope the things I have tried to instill in you, have stuck.  I am not sure if that is true or not.  I hope not because I feel like I have so much more to teach and so much more to learn.  Being a parent is a constant learning curve.  It feels like the minute I understand something, the navigation changes and we are discovering all over again.

You have become more independent dramatically. I love that you want to run around a hotel by yourself.  You ask to stay home if I have to run a quick errand.  "Penny is here. It's fine." You want your own cell phone to FaceTime with your friends.  You pack your book bag and ask for more responsibility.  I rearranged your room with a couch so you can "hang out".  You flat out cursed the other day when you hurt yourself - I had to check myself before I almost cursed back at you. You are 100% better at math than me (not an amazing feat but you love being smarter than me).  We have conversations, that turn into arguments, that turn into solutions and compromises.  It is not just "how was your day at school?"  Its situational questions that need adult answers. I can see your thought process that then informs your actions.  You are growing right before me.  And yet...you will still hold my hand.  You still ask for snuggle time on the couch.  If you do get in trouble, which is rare, you repent.  You have been know to punish yourself so I don't actually know what to do. We are on a precipice of teenagerdom.

When I asked you what you wanted to do for your 10th birthday, you didn't hesitate when you said you wanted to go to the Hampton's house. "Mom, its my happy place."  I completely agree.  There is something so peaceful about it; the water, the quiet house, the lack of responsibility, the ability to just breathe and be.  However, that wasn't your only demand.  You wanted to bring your friends.  And friends for me ... to keep me occupied and out of your way, of course.  I asked to borrow the house and lucky for us it was free.  You and I went out on Friday after a family celebration at Friendly's.  The neighbors came out the night after, for a 5 adults and 7 kid extravaganza, plus John and his kids met us on Sunday.  We are so blessed to have all of these amazing friends in our lives.  It has been hard for me to find like-minded parents and the fact that we have 2 sets on our block is incredible.  We all had such a great time; doing nothing really, walks on the beach, movie marathons and a few hilarious games of "Left, Right, Center".

We had a little bit of a road trip the other day.  I have graduated you to sit in the front seat - every once in a while.  You have become more of an equal and less of a passenger.  With you in the front, you can't space out on your electronics or books. You have to be present; join in the conversation. We rolled down all the windows, the sun warming the car, singing along (loudly) to the Spotify playlist you made, cracking jokes and laughing together.  I told you it is one of my favorite things to do and you got right into it.  I want to live in that moment. 

There are not many days anymore where it is just the two of us.  You bait me sometimes; telling me you need a mom day and I cancel our plans.  Then your friends knock on the door and I don't see you for the rest of the day. I'm not jealous.  It is the natural progression of life.  I am happy that you are independent, self aware, and well adjusted.  I trust you.  To behave respectfully and graciously.  To be mindful.  To stay within the guidelines that I have drawn for you. To trust yourself if a situation doesn't seem right and to call for adult intervention.  To make me proud.  I am grateful that I can sit back and watch you grow independently from me.  Maybe Nana was right.

Calling you my pride and joy is an understatement.  I am in awe of you.  Of the way your mind works.  Of your innate talent to read situations.  Of your ability to stay true to yourself and make friends effortlessly.  I don't know what I did in my life to deserve a kid like you.  I don't know how I got so lucky.  You are the best part of me.  I can't wait to see where this next year will bring you.

I love you everyday,
Momma

Kindergarten!!!

To say that the summer came to an abrupt end would be an understatement.  With vacations and laying around playing Legos for DAYS, school kind of crept up on us.  He was ready.  He had been ready.  But I also felt like it was this great thought that was never going to materialize.  Like it wasn't actually possible that he could be old enough to go to Kindergarten.  There was definitely that day before panic when I had forgotten to buy him a lunch box.  A quick, we have one night get into a routine mentality.  And am I actually going to be able to get him up and at the bus stop in time?!

The Bus Stop Crew

Wyatt has one of the earliest bus pick ups, 8:20.  Totally not good for us non-morning people.  I assume that I am going to be dropping him off fairly often but figured we should give it our fighting chance for the first week or so.  As predicted, we were running a little late and Wyatt has always traveled with an entourage.  Gammy and Pa were, respectfully, going to not be there for the first bus trip reserving that for Terry and I, but Wyatt INSISTED that they come.  More like demanded their presence.  So fine, the more the merrier.  Because of the lateness, I have almost no pictures of the first day.  Kid was a champ.  Waved goodbye to all of us and sat next to his friend Gwen on the bus.  Gammy thought there was a moment of hesitation but I didn't see it.  I thought he was mad at me for asking for that extra hug while his bus was waiting for him.  He gave me the "Mom, I've got things to do" attitude.  He couldn't be bothered with hugs.


Lunch box love notes begin!

Of course, I was the creeper that needed to drive past the school to see if I could see him get off the bus.  I know, I know, slight parenting fail. I ran the idea past Gammy and Auntie B.  They both seemed to be on board especially since I was driving to work anyway. There were some parents loitering around but I didn't want to intrude on his big day.  Kindergarten is a huge independent step that I have been preparing him for the entire summer, the entire year really.  We had talked about it endlessly.  Towards the end of the summer, we had "learning time" every day going over the basics and counting down on the calendar.  I wanted him to be able to take that step by himself and allow him to get the self satisfaction that he could, will, and did do it by himself.  So, I was the creep in the car.  I was late to work and I didn't see him.


Day Two

Then the waiting.  Ohhhh the waiting.  The longest 6 hours of my life.

We congregated at the bus stop extra early, all of us anxious to see how the first day went for our tribe. The first bus comes and one out of the five get off.  One of the mothers jumps on the bus to check the seats but they're not on that one.  Rumors abound.  About 10 minutes later the next bus comes, three more come off.  Great.  Of course the last kid missing is my kid.  I waited for another 3 minutes and decided to call the school.  I was still pretty calm at this point.  Maybe another bus was coming.  First day mess ups and all.  No big deal.  So when I finally get in touch with the school and their response was "OK, He's on a bus we are just not sure which one.  We're going to find him and call you right back."  FIND HIM.  As in they LOST HIM.  On his first day of Kindergarten. Total insanity.   After some bus radio contact and a few phone calls from his teacher, Wyatt was found on a bus going in the complete opposite direction.  Turns out they had our address as Court instead of Lane.  Simple computer error that cost Wyatt an extra hour on the bus and me a whole lot of vaguely veiled panic.

Wyatt was definitely miffed when he got home.  He stared me down "Mom! They put me on the wrong bus!! I had to ride it all by myself."  Thankfully our neighbor Chris with his daughter Gwen (they sit everyday together now, so cute) waited with me for Wyatt on their awesome quad.  Just as expected, as soon as Wyatt saw the quad, he quickly forgot about his solo bus ride.  After several calls to the school, I got the bus situation sorted.  Wyatt asked about twelve times if they were going to loose him again.  After much assurance, he agreed to have another try the next day.  I was and still am so proud of him for marching on the bus without hesitation the next morning.  That could have been pretty traumatizing for any kid.  Especially after finding out that they tried to make him get OFF the WRONG bus on the other side of town.  I was told that he, very politely, informed the bus driver that was not where he lived.  He is such a smart, self- reliant little man.


Next Day Smiles

The first few days were a little rough.  He went.  He was happy.  But he didn't have much good to say about it.  He said that the bus ride is his favorite, which is a slight miracle.  He said there is a lot of paperwork and focusing.  He said that his teacher is a little loud (understandably plus she does have a big personality).  He said he couldn't remember anyone else's names.  Or who he sat next to at lunch.  Or if he even ate lunch or just threw it out.  Very tight lipped my little one is.  Funny part is when we went to a Welcome to School Picnic a week later, he was like the mayor.  Rolled down our car windows and was shouting names and hellos as we drove past.  Its just an adjustment period.  Everyday is getting easier for him and I couldn't be prouder of the little academic he is becoming.

64 Months

Goose,

So, you got the chickenpox this month.  How the hell you did is absolutely beyond me.  You got the vaccine a good year and a half ago.  No one gets the chickenpox anymore.  Hell, I didn't even notice at first.  Gammy noticed in the morning when she stopped by on her way to work.  "Hey Kate, have you seen these red spots?"  There were about 3 on your back.  Nope.  Bug bites?  And off to school you went!  Then you had a play date with Patrick and you had so much fun you both were wrestling on the floor when you hugged goodbye.  When I got you in the bath, your spots had multiplied and I got concerned enough to bring you to Dr Greg.  We had been working in the garden the day before.  Maybe you got something there?  After a longish visit with a magnifying glass, we got the oatmeal bath diagnosis.  It was a very mild case because of the vaccine.  But, who knew?  All the mothers at your school wanted to examine you in case their kids got it.  And yes, you loved the oatmeal and all the Wii playing.

You also had your kindergarten orientation.  You were pretty appalled that you had to go back to pre-school after your big trip to your new school.  You were acting all tough and grown up.  It was kind of hysterical.  You held my hand for about five minutes until you got your name tag and noticed our neighbor Gwen and your friend Gregor. There are 2 kids you will ride the bus with on our block, Gwen and Ryan.  You were a little concerned that on your test bus ride that you didn't get to ride with your neighbor friends. But I assured you that it wouldn't be the case for the rest of the year.  During your teacher conference, they told me how independent and well adjusted you are.  I believed them whole heartedly but this was extremely evident on orientation day.  It amazes me all the time how much you still need me and at how much you don't.  You can walk into any situation and feel comfortable in 5 minutes. But you still get "wonwely" at night and want to snuggle.  You stand on chairs and help yourself to things in our cabinets.  But you still want to kiss and hug me before we leave each other.  Its comforting that you still look to me for reassurance before you leap but it is also a little worrying and thrilling to know that one day soon, you're not going to look anymore.

You got to march in the Memorial Day parade with your baseball team.  Evidently, the rest of your team thought this was pretty lame because it was only you and William that showed up.  There were plenty of other kids but you were the only Diamondbacks.  We all got there early to make sure we had a good spot and screamed our heads off when you walked past.  It was adorable how the four of you were holding hands; Chris, William, you and Pa.  As soon as you saw us, you decided that you were done marching and wanted to watch the rest.  It was your big debut!  After years of begging to get out of the parade when marching with the band, it was refreshing seeing how exciting it can be for the first time.  Most of all seeing Pa's face.  He was so proud being the one marching next to you.

Dad finally made it home from his year long tour in Afghanistan.  You really didn't have much contact so I was curious to see how the whole thing was going to pan out.  When I first told you that Dad was in Texas you insisted he wasn't because you thought I was talking about Pa.  It took you a while to make the connection but once you did you got pretty excited.  You wanted to show Dad our new house and what you have been doing.  I think this whole coming and going has become a normalcy to you.  You enjoy spending time with Dad when he's here and don't ask for his when he's gone.  I sincerely hope that you have some great times together while he is home.

This might be something for an entire other blog post.  A dear friend of mine from college suddenly past away at the end of April.  You were with me the night I found out, and I think, saw me completely break down for the first rememberable moment in your life.  I broke down in hysterics and left the room.  You were so concerned and asked me several times that week if everything was ok.  I tried to explain the loss I was feeling without freaking you out.  It was hard.  Made harder that you were so concerned for me.  You couldn't understand why I was unmotivated and listless peppered with bouts of violently ripping out weeds from the garden.  "You know when you feel not so good and lazy sometimes?  I'm giving you a hug for that." I still am sad, sometimes, when I least expect it.  I'll catch myself just drifting off, lost in memories.  I know that loss is a part of life.  I just hope that I can be as comforting to you as you were to me.

I love you always and everyday my sweet boy.
Momma

Attempt 1000 of a Good School Picture

Conferencing

Terry and I had Wyatt's first parent teacher conference the other day.  I wasn't nervous.  Just apprehensive, I guess.  I know Wyatt is very smart.  His vocabulary is amazing and he makes quick connections.  I know he is a good kid.  They have told me about one incident when he got angry and pushed a little girl on the playground.  They said he admitted to it immediately and then was crying and so upset about it that they felt bad punishing him.  He was punishing himself far worse then their time out would.  I know he flaps his arms, jumps and rubs his hands when he gets excited but only when he gets excited.  It is like his excitement cannot be contained and spills out through his entire body. I know he can't pronounce certain words.  But others like carburetor, amphibious, frustrated or sea anemone, he can say perfectly and in context.  I know he sometimes has trouble concentrating on things he doesn't want to do.  He can sit for hours, explicitly following Lego directions, but has trouble sitting still while eating dinner for 5 minutes.

I know all of these things about my son but my worst fear was they were going to tell me something I didn't know.  Something that I wasn't aware of.  Something that I didn't know to look for or be concerned about.  His inability to pronounce L's is endearing, not concerning.  His attention span is classic 4 year old boy, nothing to worry about.  His flapping makes me want to hug the child till he pukes, not an early sign of something bigger.  His excitement around other kids is because he is an only child, not because he is anti-social.

I love Wyatt's teachers.  I respect them.  They are with Wyatt 9 hours a week.  I value their opinion.  I appreciate that they have more experience with younger kids then I do.  But it is also hard to hear someone else talk about your kid.

Most of what they said was positive.  No surprises.  They did mention a few things that I was concerned about myself.  They think his L's will mature with time.  And his stammer, when he is trying to find the right word, is from excitement and nothing more.  He could use with some more interaction with other kids, but I know that.  Hence the two story-times, soccer, YMCA class, and of course the East Ave summer camp that will be starting shortly. We will keep working on his letters and numbers, his penmanship, his concentration.  But they were quick to remind me that even as adults things that interest us hold our attention for longer.  Basically, they confirmed what I already knew; that Wyatt is a pretty amazing kid and I couldn't be prouder.

Halloweenie!!

Wyatt asked, some time ago, to be a cherry picker for Halloween.  I thought about it and decided that it might be to hard for me to pull off.  I figured that I could plant an idea of something easier before it came time to start creating.  Thankfully, he changed his mind.  About a month ago, he decided he wanted to be a road. With fire trucks on it.  And maybe something on fire.  And it should probably be Mountain Ave. Easy!  Done!  I can do that! All I needed was a black sweatsuit, yellow duct tape, velcro, matchbox cars, and a street sign.  And Mountain Ave was created:

And because I am super ambitious, I made street signs for the entire family so that we could all trick-or-treat as our town.  And let me tell you, Wyatt OWNED that costume.  He marched for the entire Halloween parade and explained (in detail) to every person who asked about his costume.  He was the only "road" in his class of super hero's.  I am so proud of him that he chose his costume. That he is already owning his decisions and being uniquely Wyatt. He is loving every minute.


Oh and did I mention that he WON first place original costume!!  Oh, yes, he did!  Two years in a row!!  Jeez, there is going to be a lot of pressure for next year.


Wyatt also made a special request when carving pumpkins.  Again, this year, he was less then enthused about the gutting.  But he was very demanding about wanting to carve a fire truck into the pumpkin.  Because there are haunted fire houses and sometimes fire trucks are spooky.  After googling "fire truck pumpkin carving template" drew a big blank, I found a simple outline and we carved a fire truck.



We found this adorable Rice Krispie pumpkin mold at Hicks Nursery.  Wyatt loved it and decided he wanted to make pumpkins for his class for show n' tell on friday. Basically, I made them while Wyatt ate marshmallows.  He did decorate the box we brought them in with "spooky" stickers.  His teachers said he handed one out to each kid and was very excited when the class thanked him. One parent even asked me where I bought them.  Yeah, not so much.  We're rock stars!

A Place Between Sheer Glee and Sheer Panic

One of my best friends from 3.

The Playgroup at St. John's is a weird enigma of a place for me.  Wyatt LOVES it there but sometimes I think that he would love school anywhere.  He is a very social person.  A kid that wants to play all the time and has an elaborate imagination that only other kids can follow.  But for me, I can't really shake the assumption that I am the hired help.  I work there.  So, while the other parents are caught up talking and making connections with each other, I am talking to the teachers about whichever new problem has arose.  It has made it hard for me to make connections and establish some kind of social circle for Wyatt.  I know he's only 3 (!!) but some of my best friends were made at 3.  After making my bold New Years resolution, I decided to just go for it.

Wyatt has several boys that he speaks of fairly often from school (and one girl, Davis.  It might be love.  Or it might be because she has got that devilish twinkle in her eye and gets scolded a lot).  So, I sought out Chases' mom and asked to get the boys together.  When she said yes and to come over to their house after class, I had two distinct reactions.  Sheer glee and sheer panic.  I was so excited for Wyatt and just mildly terrified that I was going to muck up some play-date protocol that I am utterly unfamiliar with.  Do I just drop him off?  Do I stay?  Do I pack snacks?  Of course, Wyatt has had friends over but these are friends that I am also friends with, no panic involved.  Actually, it is a lot of fun because I get girl catch-up time while Wy plays.  But I don't know Chases' mom.

Wyatt's other friend William

So, we go over to Chases' house and I am asked to take off our shoes.  So I decided we were staying.  Within 3 minutes Wyatt and Chase are upstairs playing and Valerie, her 8 month old daughter, and I are chatting happily in the kitchen.  At one point Chase ran downstairs without pants on and she explained that they were potty training.  Nothing breaks the ice more then a naked 3 year old. I think I might have had just as much fun as Wyatt.  The boys got along great and after 3 hours Wyatt still didn't want to leave.  And dare I say, that I got a new friend as well?!  Wyatt loved the play-date so much that he asks to go over Chases' house and eat french fries for lunch all the time.  Whenever he doesn't want to do something, he says he is going over Chases' house.  Unfortunately, the next time we planned on getting together (with Peter and Peters' mom at the library... a triple date!!) Wyatt got sick and we couldn't go.  I have to admit, I am looking forward to our next play-date.  I think Wyatt is too!

The Accident Incident

Wyatt has been trained since April.  Over the summer I tossed his overnight pull-ups.  He rarely has accidents.  I can probably count the times on one hand and usually they happen at night.  He'll wake up saying "Momma, I have to go potty" and he'll have already gone.  You really can't blame him for trying.  Sometimes there will be a small wet spot in his underwear because he waits till the very last second before rushing to the bathroom.  He holds it forever.  Kid's a camel.  But even that won't happen if you prompt him when he starts doing "the dance".

During the first month in school, on a Wednesday when I went to pick him up, he was soaked.  Drenched in pee down to his socks.  You could smell him 5 feet away.  I didn't think it was Wyatt at first, maybe some kid with a dirty diaper.  Most of the kids in his class aren't potty trained.   I told his teachers he is really good about telling you but sometimes you have to prompt him.  I wondered if it just happen.  That he got too busy and couldn't be bothered to stop playing.  I gathered him up in my arms and rushed him out.  I didn't say anything to his teachers.  I didn't want to embarrass Wyatt.  I didn't want him to think he did anything wrong.  I took him to my office to get him cleaned up.  (I still keep an extra set of clothes in his backpack.  If its not pee, its chocolate or dirt or water.  Better to be prepared.)  It wasn't until I got him undressed that I realized he was freezing.  He had peed a long time ago.

I was livid.  He had been sitting in his own pee for God knows how long.  Why didn't they change him?  If they didn't want to change him, why didn't they call me?  I am in the building, working, while Wyatt is at school.  Literally, 30 seconds away.  Hell, if they let him out of the classroom he would know where to find me unassisted.  The only answer I could give myself is there are too many kids in his class; 17 kids to 3 teachers.  They missed him.  He's not a crier so he doesn't get noticed.  I was so upset.  I called Terry, Mom, Jen, Becca to find out if I was over reacting or the conclusion I had draw seemed accurate.  They all agreed I would have to talk with his teachers.

I went early on Friday; to catch them before all the other kids and parents arrived.  I explained that I was unhappy with something that happened.  I told them that I wasn't upset that Wyatt had an accident.  I almost expected a few with the transition but that he sat wet for some time.  They said I shouldn't be upset, that accidents happen.  No matter how hard I tried to explain myself, they just didn't seem to understand.  I left the room bewildered.  I didn't know how to explain it any clearer.  I went to work.  I thought all day about making a second attempt on how to spell it out.  Its hard to tell someone you don't think they are doing their job.  I ran into the director of the program in the basement.  I wasn't going to mention anything to her.  She said she had heard I was unhappy.  I explained again.  She confirmed that was a valid concern and didn't think his teachers understood.

When I went to pick him up, all of his teachers came over to apologized.  They said that he is such a great kid and always asks for anything he needs and that they were sorry they didn't notice.  I asked that they remind him to go once a day until we're confident that he'll remember on his own.  In the following days, they said they asked but he never needed to go.  They thought maybe he had some kind of fear of the potty at school.  Which I thought was weird.  I had taken him there before and he pretty much goes anywhere, no problem.  I talked to Wyatt about it and he responded with "I'll remember.  Don't worry Momma."  No joke.

He hasn't had another accident since.  And I think they have stopped prompting him.  One of his teachers ran over to me on pick up a few weeks later, so excited that he came and asked to go potty.  I told Wyatt I was proud of him for remembering.  When I asked him for his daily highlights, he didn't mention it.  Colored play-doh and cherry pickers were much more interesting.  It was a non-issue for him.  He forgot that one time. The whole incident taught me that it was clearly something that bothered me much more then it bothered Wyatt.

32 Months

Big Guy,

You are loving school so, so, so much just like I knew you would.  You bound in the door every day and barely have enough time to kiss me goodbye.  It was Sunday and I was heading off to work.  Gammy came down to watch you and asked you if you were excited to stay home with her for the day.  You told her you were going to school.  When we told you that it wasn't a school day, you demanded that it WAS a school day and that the kids were waiting for you.  I think maybe its time to start taking you to Sunday school.  I just hope that you are still so involved and in love when you get to high school.

So, I have a confession to make.  I've watched you at school.  Three times already.  I know.  I'm kind of stalking you.  But I swear I just do it because you are so damn cute.  The first time I was working in the kitchen at St. John's.  The sink has a lovely window over it looking directly out onto the school playground.  (This kitchen is my DREAM kitchen so I actually enjoy spending time in there.  Oh the cabinet space....don't get me started.)  I was mindlessly washing dishes and watching the kids on the play ground.  It was 5 minutes or so before the kids' faces clicked and I knew I was watching your class.  Then I found you bounding joyfully, running with these two other blond/blue boys then resting your belly on a swing.  Mrs. Schwab picked you up and she pushed you on the swing for a while before you were off and running again.  I watched you darting around as I jumped between the kitchen, the door, and the hallway trying to keep you in my line of vision. When the teacher asked the class to line up you were one of the first by the gate.  Then you made your way up the stairs holding on to the rail just like I asked you to.  I was (am!) so proud of you!  Now that I know you are on the playground from 10:45 to 11:30 everyday I just might happen to peek out the window a bit.  Don't be mad.  You just so cute and independent and swinging all by yourself.

I also signed you up for a story time at the Big Library (as you call it, in the town over).  I feel like I am cheating on our smaller hometown library but one of the boys you like to play with at school does story time and I thought you would enjoy it.  Turns out you really do.  And you are a superb listener.  The Librarian was distributing name tags usually finding the child in the crowd.  When she called your name, you jumped straight up raising you hand up to the sky excitedly saying "That's me!!  That's me!  I'm Wyatt."  The Librarian was so surprise and excited to see such enthusiasm at story time.  It is so lovely to watch you in this school environment.  I get a glimpse of what you must be like at school.  You follow directions so well.  Even if you don't know the song their singing, you try to mimic the hand gestures and sing the words you catch onto.  Eager, I think is the best word.  Eager to learn and to please and to experience absolutely everything that surrounds you.

As a testament to my reading a lot post, I was reading while you were waking up and watching TV.  You saw me take out the book.  Took the book out of my hands and threw it behind the couch.  I had told myself that seeing me read would instill a love of reading in you.  But in that one decisive action, I realized if my reading was taking away from your MomMom time, you might not ever read again.  I have been making a conscience effort to only read on my time now.  Cause you, my love, are a far better story then any book.  As we were getting up one morning, you stopped getting off the bed to look me right in the eyes, "I like you." you said to me.  "You like me?  Well, I like you too bud."  "I like you cause you put my pants on evereyday."  How amazing to be liked for such a mundane task?!  Not because I love you or because I play with you or even because I let you eat ice cream and M&M's.  But because I get you dressed everyday.  How amazing that you are able to express a because statement younger then 3?  I just can't get enough of you.

I love you everyday,
Mom-mom

The Greatest Adventure

Wyatt's first day of school went brilliantly!  Once he woke up (which only took one TV show, 30 cuddle minutes, and 2 pop tarts.  He is a very slow riser.  A new record!) he was so excited.  He spoke about the toys he wanted to play with and the friends he was going to make.  Surprisingly we made in out of the house early which gave me time to document the moment on our front porch.  Can't you just feel his happiness?!?  On the ride, I couldn't stop from smiling.  I was just so excited for him.  I battered him with questions and fun things he was going to do at school.  

"Do you remember your teacher's names? Your teachers are going to be so excited to see you again."

"They're sad."

"They're sad?! Why are they sad?"

"Because there is no Wyatt yet."

When we got to the church, I told him it was going to be a few more minutes and we should go into the office first.  He grabbed my hand and tried to drag me down the path going to his school.  I couldn't even get him to use the bathroom because he wanted to use the potty in his "new school."  He ran right in the room and went directly to the toys.  I reminded him that he needed to ask his teachers if he needed to go to potty.  I swear if he had learned to roll his eyes at me, he would have.  He sounded almost exasperated when he replied "Yes, Mom."  I asked him to give me a hug and kiss (which is standard leaving protocol).

"Where are you going?"
"Mom's going to work.  But I'm going to come and get you in a little while.  You get to stay and play with your friends."
"OK"
And that was about it.  He turned away from me to go play.  I had my camera to document his first day but since he seemed so ready I felt like I should just get out of there.  I didn't want to linger.  So, I walked out and he didn't even notice.  For the next hour, I vacuumed.  Convinced it was probably the only way I would survive.  I needed something mindless, repetitive, so I didn't run over and spy in the windows.

When I walked in to get him, his back was to me and he was doing a puzzle with another little boy.  Mrs. Marino came over to me and said that he got a little upset when other mom's started to show up and I didn't.  She also said he was very smart and went to the potty.  She said when they asked him to do a project he said "No thanks" at first.  Yes, that is my son.  I called to him and he ran over to give me a hug.

"I was sad.  I didn't know where you were"

"Oh sweetie.  I was at work. I will always come back and get you.  How was your first day?  What did you do?"

And he turned to show me the apple he made and hung on the wall.  The toys he played with.   The playdoh shape he made.  On our way out, I asked him to say thank you to his teachers.  He ran straight for Mrs. Schwab and gave her a hug.

On our way to the car, I told Wyatt "Sweetie, I am just so proud of you!" He reached out and grabbed my hand saying "I'm so pround of you too."  I didn't cry.  I am pretty pround of myself too.

On day two, I tried to get him to pose for a picture outside his classroom.  He wanted no part of it.  He just wanted me to open the door.  He ran in.  On Thursday (a no school day), Gammy asked if he wanted to say home with her for the day.  He said he wanted to go to school.  My little boy is all grown up.  I am so happy he loves it.  Its so exciting.  I am so proud of my Wyatt.

Friday Adventures- Part Deux

Wyatt must have read my post about getting him ready for his class at the Y and decided to up the ante. The following is the conversation that Wyatt and I had on Friday morning:

"Wyatt, my love, lets change your diaper and get ready to go to school."

"You silly woman. There is no way I am putting on that diaper."

"Sweetie, we have to wear our diaper to class."

"I will not."

"Come on, sweetheart. It will only take a minute."

"Don't touch me."

"Wyatt."

"YOU CAN'T MAKE ME. You're too slow!! HAHA. (maniacal laughter) I am going to run away now and be as difficult as humanly possible."

"OK, thats not funny."

"HAHAHA." (More maniacal laughter...)

"Wyatt. If you don't put on your diaper we can't go to class."

"Woman, thats your idea of an ultimatum?!?!? If you put that diaper on me I will only eat jello from a toothpick for a MONTH. Or better yet I will only eat pickles cut up to the size of my pinkie nail. That will get you stinky, messy shits for at least 2 weeks. Now thats an ultimatum!!"

"Did you just say shit, young man?"

"Woman, don't test me."

"Really?!? Is this REALLY happening??"

"I am not above biting."

"Wyatt, we cannot do this today!"

"HAHAHAHA. Are YOU smarter then a 2 year old??"

"FINE!! FINE!!! Don't wear a diaper!! See if I care?"

"Ohh, Momma, I love you!! Can I pick out my big boy underwear, please? Thank you, Mom. You are the best mom in the world!!"

I am sure you can infer the rest but I am going to tell it anyway. After Wy refused his diaper, I was in a little bit of a teaching dilemma. We are beginning to potty train but I feel like he always does better when it is HIS choice to have a potty training day. I ask him at his diaper change (usually when I know that were not going to be leaving the house) if he would like to wear his "Big boy underwear" which means he has to use to potty. If he says yes, its all systems go. I remind him every 3o mins or so and he has had very few accidents. If he says no, he gets a diaper. And then there are days like Friday when he makes the choice for me. Do I force him into a diaper and state that I don't trust him? Or do I let his choice stand and brace for the consequences? I wanted so much to have faith that he could make it but I knew that he was going to get distracted and forget.

We make it to class, without a golden shower, I ask him if he wants to visit the bathroom and he tells me "no, no" shaking his head and runs to play. I literally stalked him. Then, just after he goes down the slide, he gives me the face. The brief pause and slight cock of his head, invisible to the untrained eye, but for me the clock had started ticking. I race over, scoop him up, as he whispers in my ear "Pee-pees in diaper." No, my love, there is no diaper. Wyatt managed to get his pants, underwear, socks, and shoes and also sprinkled on my pants and my cardigan. Thankfully for him, I had a spare set of clothes in anticipation. For myself, not so much. So, yes, I went back to class covered in pee. It dried. I probably smelled. Whatever. Then his teacher gives him a "Special Sticker" for going pee on the potty (or Mommy, I'm not quite sure). It least it went well for him.

And so begins our adventure of roaming outside the house with big boy underwear.

Fridays at the Y

Wyatt and I have class at the Y every Friday at 9:30 in the morning. I always used to be a stickler for time. Being on-time was late in my book. Then I had a child and now I will never be on-time again. This is a brief reenactment of every Friday morning before class. It usually doesn't bother me; taking 2 hours to get out the door but my anal internal clock gets mildly twitchy when I know I am going to be late for an event. God help me when I need to get him to school at 9 every morning.

7:45 am - Come on, Wyatt, time to wake up. I really would like to get there on time like all the other parents.

8:03 - That's my hibernating bear! Up and at 'em, engineer! Sun's up, morning's here!

8:04 - All right, Mom's a little too excited. Can we both just take it down a few decimals? I'll get your bottle.

8:26 - That diapy is so full with pee-pee's, can I take it off?

8:26.14 - Please! Lets pick a toy out for your diapy change!

8:26.38 - Diaper Change, NOW, Bud!

8:27 - Would you like to wear big boy underwear today? No? What if you pick them out? Well, all right then, maybe tomorrow.

8:29 - Spend several minutes in the bathroom, washing my face, brushing my teeth, trying to look mildly acceptable while Wyatt runs around pantless and/or watches the Backyardigans pantless.

8:37 - Would you like some breakfast? A blueberry muffin? Clementine? Waffle with a lot of syrup? Eggie weggies? Pa's juice? Cherrios? Blueberries? Yogurt? Apple? OK, so, pretzels it is!

8:40 - Momma just needs to sit for a minute and drink some tea. Would you like some of my cherrios? No? I thought so.

8:45 - Pack diaper bag: toys, juice cup, binky, blanket, diapers, wipes, a book, snack, my wallet, phone. Check!

8:47 - Hey Bud! I've got this great shirt with a bulldozer on it. Isn't it the coolest? Big boys love wearing shirts with trucks on them. And maybe some pants.

8:53 - Ok, sure, let's put on the red socks.

8:53.27 - Ok, the blue socks.

8:53.36 - Red socks? Right.

8:53.42 - Are you sure you want to put on the Lightening McQueen socks? Are you sure?!

8:55 - Why don't you pick out the hat you would like to wear?

8:56 - Where the hell did I put your jacket? And my shoes?

8:59 - Yes, PUP, we are leaving and you are not coming. Please, stop barking before I ripe out your vocal cords.

9:01 - PUP!!! Sweet Jesus! You tripped Wyatt! Stop running and get in your cage. YOU ARE NOT COMING!!!

9:10 - Come on, Wyatt. We're going to play with the kids. Would you like to bring that toy with us? Yup, in Momma's car. Come on, lets go show that toy to the birds outside.

9:13 - KATE, GET OUT THE FRONT DOOR, OH MY GOD

9:14 - All right! Can you hold Momma's hand? Its slippy out to the car.

9:16 - Yes, Yes!! Its a truck. How exciting! Lets watch!

9:30 - Bud, are you ready to get in the car now?

9:45 - Arrive with hair amiss and utterly disheveled, Wyatt looking like I picked out his clothing blind folded, and, unsurprisingly, late.