I've been worried about this day for literally years. I've lost sleep over it. I've cried over it. It is incredibly hard to describe how different it is to send Carver to kindergarten than his big sisters. They were reading and writing and counting to 100, all those sorts of things. Carver can't do any of the pre-kindergarten skills. He struggles to sit still, follow directions, wait his turn. I was hoping for the other teacher and had a huge emotional breakdown when he got the other one. It really wasn't about the teacher, just a reason to let out all the anxiety that's been building up over the summer. His teacher has been wonderful. We've emailed a bunch, she let us come in early to look at the classroom and hopefully let him explore a little without the chaos of other kids. She probably thinks I'm an overprotective worrier. She's absolutely right, but this is my crazy hard, sweet little guy! I resisted the urge to email her the first day and ask how it went, but she emailed me - bless her heart. She's taught kindergarten FOREVER and I know she's seen it all, but I just hope and pray that she'll love Carver. That's what'll make the difference. I met his OT at the orientation meeting and was so impressed. She'll help in the classroom, as well as pull him out for therapy. He'll have PT and SLP every week, as well, but I haven't met the SLP yet. His PT is the same as at the preschool and he is fantastic, as well. I know that we aren't doing this alone. There's still a team to look out for his needs and help kindergarten be successful for him and manageable for his teacher. He'll have time in a small special ed class every day, as well, to learn in his own way and work on the skills that are appropriate for his level. I'm telling you - this style of kindergarten is completely different from what I've done before. How can I not worry about all these pieces?! Will the kids be nice to him? Will he drive his teacher crazy? Will he like it there? Will he find his teacher after getting off the bus? Will he stay in his seat on the bus? Is he going to learn the things he needs to know? How will he ever be ready for all day in 1st grade? I'm trying not to worry about that now, but I kinda can't help myself.
But Carver's just plain old excited. About the bus and going to the same school as Ellie. About being a kindergartener and his friends in his class. He started Friday and was pretty bummed not to go back the next day. He's really happy that tomorrow is another school day. Here's one of his best buddies at the bus stop.
He looked a tiny bit worried hopping on the bus.
You can imagine how it touched my heart to see his good big sisters take his hands on the way to the bus stop that morning. Lydia sat by him on the bus and Ellie helped him find his teacher when they got there. With sisters like these looking out for him and a team of teachers ready for him, I know he's going to be just fine.
And I just might survive another year of kindergarten, too. :)
This was one happy day at our house. The question is who was happier - Grace or me!! This is her big smile before our "meet the teacher" picnic a few weeks ago. After watching Carver go to to preschool literally as long as she can remember, it's finally her turn. She had to work through some disappointment over not being able to take the bus to her preschool, but we do get to carpool with a friend and that helps soften the blow a little bit. :)
Aren't these girlies cute? They crack me up. 
