In many ways to me M will always be about this age, however, this picture was taken about three years ago when back to school meant three hours, two days a week. Now, starting this year, back to school has come to mean 6 hours, 5 days a week, also meaning we are spending our days very differently than we did just three weeks ago when it was still summer or three years ago when I only had one little one to take care of. Some of the changes have been challenging and others inspiring.Challenges include (but are not limited to) me feeling like a race car driver trying to find the quickest way across town to M's school; moving in and out of slow lanes of traffic, and all the while trying to maintain the best fuel efficiency possible. Also gnawing at me is the feeling that I am missing some secret way that will cut my travel time by even more, but I think that might just be my competitive side peeking out.
But just as I'm about to be overwhelmed by the challenge that being in that car sooo long everyday brings, I have to remind myself of all of the good that has transpired in the two short weeks since M started kindergarten. It is nothing short of a gift to get to have some one on one time with the littlest. To see her out of the shadow of her sister and see what she is interested in without the outside influence of a six year old is fun to watch. We have also had more time to work on her letters, numbers, shapes, etc. without the added pressure of making sure the oldest is being stimulated also. Speaking of the oldest (and inspiration) it is inspiring and reassuring to see M come out of the classroom door (outside corridors) as the end of day school bell rings, confident with her backpack and listening to her teacher for instructions. Even better is to listen to her babble on during the trek home about what she learned, who she played with, and discussing what she learned about unhealthy lungs today at school.
And so bring on the bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils and let these great school days continue!
