It's been awhile since I blogged. This is the longest I have ever gone between posts! Summer has been crazy; in a good way. But now that school has started, the boat is parked, and vacations are over, I figured I would at least do an important post about Lincoln. Afterall, this is one day I don't ever want to forget.
But before I begin, let me share some background information
Lincoln started school exactly a week ago. It was something I had been anticipating for a year; I know I am crazy. I have always loved school, but in grade school I struggled academically. It probably had to do with being the youngest in my grade, but until third grade, I was at the bottom of the class. This was my biggest fear for Lincoln. I never want him to feel stupid or slow.
I remember in second grade the teacher would staple prize bags on the wall once a week depending on how many words you could read in a period of time. The more words, the bigger the prize. It wasn't until the END of the year that I finally got a bag stapled to the wall. One bag. One tiny prize brought me so much happiness. For an entire year I would enter the classroom and look at the wall covered with brown paper bags, and every week my name was not up there.
It hurt
It hurt so bad that I stopped looking for my name
I stopped looking at the wall
Then one day someone told me my name was on the wall. The lowest prize, but still it was on the wall. I excitedly opened it, and inside was a red plastic top. The kids that had their bags on the wall every week with multiple prizes could probably not name a single thing inside today, but I will never forget; it was the only one I would ever see.
It was that single memory that would impact my parenting beliefs from a very young age. I would teach my children. I would protect them. And so when Lincoln turned three and was ready to learn, I began teaching him. Certain things he soaked up, but others took time. And I patiently waited until he was ready. This last year I began teaching Lincoln to read. He isn't the best reader, but he can read BOB books and sound out words. It is a beautiful thing to hear your child read. He reads better than I did in third grade. He can spell words and write sentences. He can do addition and subtraction. He soaked it up, and I felt ready to send him to Kindergarten.
But more importantly, he was ready.
My other fear was Lincoln making a friend. I didn't care who became his friend, but I wanted him to have one friend to play with. As the school year approached, I began to worry. Lincoln had a best friend in preschool and makes friends easy, but I was worried this year would be different.
Well a miracle happened! He was switched to pm Kindergarten last minute AND his best friend moved into the school district. When I saw his friend's name on his class list, my hands literally began shaking. I was SO happy! Every fear I had completely melted away. All that mattered was Lincoln had a support system.
Everything fell into place, and I am one grateful mom for the way things have turned out. Lincoln was not even scared to go to school, and he already loves doing the class projects. His favorite thing is cutting stuff out and writing.
Before the first day of school came, I took Lincoln for a "Lincoln Day" and we spent the day shopping for school clothes and eating out. It was lots of fun! I had butterflies in my stomach as I bought him clothes, and I got the exact feeling I use to get while shopping for clothes when I was in school.
When his school day arrived, Scott and I were beyond excited! Scott took work off for the special day. Heck he is our first kid, so Scott refused to miss this big day! (We tend to go overboard sometimes.) Then we went out to eat before school, and drove him there. No way was I going to let him ride the bus on the first day! Why would I miss seeing him go into his class? When we got there, he saw his best friend and began running to him. It was the cutest thing! Then when they were led into the building, he didn't even say goodbye! I followed him in of course, and snapped a picture or two.
We are getting down a routine, but there is too much to talk about. So I will save ya'll, and say goodbye!
