Monday, September 05, 2011

September Update

My poor, ignored blog!  Cannot believe it's been since late June that I updated.

School is in full swing here, this week will be their 4th full week.  It's been a bit of an adjustment for all three, but mostly for Michael and Emily.  A full day of Kindergarten is a lot.  We leave the house at 7:25, and the bus brings them home at 2:35.  If they rode the bus to school as well, we would have to leave the house at 6:45....that is just too early for all of us.

They are in separate classes, I am asked this all the time.  In GA, it is the law that the parents decide whether or not to separate.  Keeping them together was never even a consideration for us.  We did it in preschool, but that was because there was only one class for the days/times/age group.  I do not feel that they miss each other, on the contrary, they actually love being in their own rooms, with their own teachers and own new friends to make. It is fun to hear them compare what each class did that day, what special they had, what song they sang.  They do see each other at lunch and at recess, and they see Sophie periodically as well.  It is my firm belief that they are two very different children, and as such, should be allowed to be on their own, just like any singleton would be.  And finally, having gone to school as the 8th Maier in a line of 9 Maiers, I do know what it is like being compared to a sibling(s).  They have big shoes to fill as Sophie is very well known at school, they don't need to constantly be compared to their twin sibling as well.




It is funny to hear what they have to say about school.  For awhile Emily was telling me her teacher was mean, which I know is not the case.  She was also telling me that they didn't go to recess or lunch, so you see how much stock you can put in a tired 5 year old's rendition of the day!  She did surprise me last week when she decided she wanted a playdate with the boy who lives at the bus stop before ours, and got off the bus early.  A bit of chaos ensued, but I knew the mother and Michael told me where she was.  The bus driver did get his you know what handed to him by the assistant principal however...not good letting a 5 year old off at the wrong stop.  

Michael is blossoming.  I knew he would do fine socially, he is the Mayor after all.  But now he is more willing to try new things academically.  His writing is much better than what it was, and more importantly, he seems to LIKE writing!  He actually asks to practice.  This is a huge jump from last year when he would tell his teacher, "I'll finish it later."  His positive attitude is so refreshing, I wish his sisters could have a just a tiny bit of it!  He wants to buy lunch...every day.  Does not matter what it is....his response is the same:, "I love that Mom, I want to buy lunch today."  Sophie will try to talk him out of it, and I tell her that he has to learn on his own.  So far, he has not starved and each afternoon tells me with pride what he picked out for himself. I can't wait to join them for lunch one day to see him in action.  


And then there is Sophie, the child that can already drive me crazy, but then stun me with her need for her "Mommy".  Oh, how I hope we make it through the next few years!!  She has yet another really young teacher, Ms. Rosa is 23 and this is her first full time class.  I had the opportunity to get to know her better this week as I chaperoned their trip to the Fire Safety Village.  (Which BTW, if you ever get a chance to go, please do, I was much impressed and not just b/c Fireman Joel was easy on the eyes...so much great information for the kids). Ms. Rosa might be new, and she might be only an inch taller than some of her students, but nothing got by her.  The kids listened to her, respected her, and I could tell they are motivated by her.  I am sure I was not that together at 23, and I am sure you would not have wanted me shaping your child's mind.  So a good year for Sophie so far.  I am glad this year she has joined Chorus.  I suggested it, then held my breath and waited.  As any mother can tell you, you can only suggest one time.  The more you tell them how great it is, the more they turn away from it.  She had her first rehearsal last week, and loved it.  She was also picked for Art Club, which is a 5 week club that you get to be in once in your time at TR. I really wasn't sure how she would like that, Art is not her strong suit.  Came into the car saying: "Mom, I don't like Art Club...I LOVE it!"  It's nice to see her try new things and find that she does like them.  


Open houses are this week, and like so many things this year at school, we will get to go both nights. I am enjoying this time of all three of them in the same school, only have that for 2 years total, then never again.