Mr. Johnson Goes to Kindergarten *updated w/ pics

Today was the day, my firstborn was to enter the big world of formal education. I feel like I have been "eased" into this for a while now...buying school supplies, meeting the teacher at the open house, reading lots of books about kindergarten, and having endless conversations about the big day...but, today was a bit of a shock to me. Okay, okay...I realize all of those events were designed to make Sam feel more comfortable with the transition. I just thought they might have helped his parents, as well.

Our school system has not adopted full day kindergarten...so, Sam attends in the afternoon. Our kind neighbor, Miss Mary, came over to stay with the three littlest boys while Brad and I delivered Sam to school. We were all a little nervous about the big day...and talked about how it is completely normal to feel that way when you were doing something new. Brad was a typical daddy, videotaping every moment to have a permanent record of the big event. {I love that man!} Sam's teacher greeted him, asked him to put his backpack in his cubby, and then handed him a small tub of Pl*y-Doh to occupy him until she was ready to begin. We hung around for a few minutes and then we said our goodbyes. We tried to play it "cool" - like it was no big deal- hoping Sam would play along. {grin} I smooched his cheek, told him I would see him later and I was looking forward to hearing about his day, and then he put both arms around my neck and squeezed me tightly. I thought my heart would break and my eyes were burning to hold back tears. Brad was cool...however, I think if I hadn't suggested we leave...he would have stayed all day! Speaking of Brad, he is such a good daddy. He is constantly thinking of ways to nurture, protect, and comfort our little men. Today, he asked the bus driver if he could ride home on the bus with Sam. {grin - I really, really love that man} The bus driver said no.
I kept myself busy while Sam was away. The littlest ones were napping...well, sort of. Matthew has an ear infection and wasn't sleeping so well. As a matter of fact, he wasn't letting Caleb sleep either. So, my time was filled with caring for the twins. Probably a blessing, I didn't have time to watch the clock too closely. I just kept praying for Sam, his teacher, the classroom aides, and his classmates all afternoon. It's a frightening thing to leave your kiddo in a strangers care...but, as my emotions faded, I was reminded that God was still on the job and watching over Sam. Peace to my heart.

Brad came home from work in time to see Sam get off of the school bus. He looked hot and tired, but mostly happy. He came in, got a drink and then talked briefly about his day. Brad went back to work. While we watched television, Sam began to talk about how he had fun at school...but, he missed me. I told him that I missed him, too. I admitted that I even cried a little, and that I was certain that tomorrow would be a much better day. He said he didn't cry, but that his throat hurt because his tears were collecting there. I nearly burst into tears. I told him tomorrow would be a much better day - that he would have way more fun at school than at home with me. I am not certain who I was trying to convince, him or me. {grin} Sam said he had thought about quitting school, but decided to stay since the next day was "treasure box" day...he had his sights set on a little dog he'd seen in the box when we visited for open house. I pray tomorrow is better...for him and for me. {grin} I am working to create as much enthusiasm, excitement, and feeling of security as I know how.


Sam with his backpack (thank goodness he didn't think his preschool backpack was uncool - saved a few dollars), ready to go!

Sam with his teacher, Mrs. E.

Sam's seat at the table...he's looking a little uncertain here. We were just about to leave. {sniff}