September 6, 2016
Brian: First day as a principal
Melanie: Starting year 18 as a teacher
Camryn: First day of middle school, sixth grade
Aubrey: First day of third grade
Abi: Pouting because we're all headed back to school
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Goodbye, Lewis.
This weekend, we said goodbye to my car, known affectionately to the girls as "Lewis." (They named it that after another famous Explorer. Get it???) Lewis was the one and only car we've ever bought new, and we had a great thirteen year run. With it's decreased value, and recent increased need for repairs, we knew it was time to cut it loose. It was still sad though, to say goodbye to the car that carried our babies home from the hospital, and is the only car my girls have ever known me to drive. (I'm not sure why, but I always get sentimental about possessions like these...)
The good news is that we found a solid replacement. She's an Acura MDX (yet to be named), and has so many bells and whistles that it feels like driving a space ship. Quite a difference from my '03 Ford! Can't wait to find out what the girls come up with for her!
Monday, September 5, 2016
Deep breaths...
Oh, boy. We have reached somewhat of a milestone in the Bailey house. Or, maybe it's part milestone, part hurricane, upending much of our stable routine as a family of two students and two educators.
For starters, Camryn starts middle school tomorrow. (BIG, deep breath.) I *think* she's ready. I mean, I know she's ready, but it's all so nerve-wracking at the same time. There is a lot of letting go happening here. I have many worries... Will she get herself to the bus on time? Will she remember to lock up the house? Will the older kids be kind to her? Will she feel comfortable enough to ask for help if she needs it? Will she be able to find her way, maneuvering through the literal throngs of students, as well as the social quagmire of sixth grade? Will she make good friends, and be kind to others, or will she get caught up in what's "cool?" Will she keep her sweet friends she's had since Kindergarten, or will they grow apart? Will she be homesick when she goes to Outdoor School? Will she feel like she belongs? My mind is racing with worries, remembering every uncomfortable and unpleasant moment of my own middle school experience, and hoping to God she has more confidence in herself than I did.
In addition to this monumental change in our little world, we are still grieving the departure of our beloved daycare provider and friend. Laurie has cared for the girls since they were each six months old. That's a grand total of eleven years we've been with "Sissy." We are happy for new adventures in her life, but are mourning the consistency of our routine with her, and the genuine love and care she provided for the girls. She truly became part of our family, and the girls loved to call her their "second mom." I have had to make major adjustments, since I feel like I don't really know how to parent without her as my backup just a few blocks away. Our neighborhood feels empty without her. With this change, comes the realization that Aubrey will begin a new after school daycare routine on the afternoons that I am working. She will attend the YMCA's after school camp right there at her school. Though the setting is familiar, and she feels comfortable with the kids she knows, it's all just new. She's now got to hold it together a few more hours in the school building. She will get to know a few more adults, and their expectations, routines, etc. I am confident that she is up the challenge, and that she will enjoy her time at the Y, but it's just not the same as going home with your sister and your two best friends, to be enveloped in hugs by your "second mom."
While I try to help the girls settle into their new routines, Brian is adjusting to his own too. As the new principal at LRMS, he's still getting to know the staff, building, kids, and norms in his own school. This means early mornings, late evenings, and sometimes weekend days, working to make his school the best it can be. I know this is in and of itself incredibly stressful, so I am trying not to place more on his shoulders than necessary, and just "handle" what's going on at home, until he gets his bearings.
So, for a person who is challenged when it comes to accepting change, I'm just a little maxed out at the moment. Feeling overwhelmed, sentimental, happy, and sad. We're all taking on big, new challenges this year. We've all got things to learn, responsibilities to take on, and room to grow. We will all blossom and succeed. It's just going to take us some time to get there. In the meantime....deep breaths.
For starters, Camryn starts middle school tomorrow. (BIG, deep breath.) I *think* she's ready. I mean, I know she's ready, but it's all so nerve-wracking at the same time. There is a lot of letting go happening here. I have many worries... Will she get herself to the bus on time? Will she remember to lock up the house? Will the older kids be kind to her? Will she feel comfortable enough to ask for help if she needs it? Will she be able to find her way, maneuvering through the literal throngs of students, as well as the social quagmire of sixth grade? Will she make good friends, and be kind to others, or will she get caught up in what's "cool?" Will she keep her sweet friends she's had since Kindergarten, or will they grow apart? Will she be homesick when she goes to Outdoor School? Will she feel like she belongs? My mind is racing with worries, remembering every uncomfortable and unpleasant moment of my own middle school experience, and hoping to God she has more confidence in herself than I did.
In addition to this monumental change in our little world, we are still grieving the departure of our beloved daycare provider and friend. Laurie has cared for the girls since they were each six months old. That's a grand total of eleven years we've been with "Sissy." We are happy for new adventures in her life, but are mourning the consistency of our routine with her, and the genuine love and care she provided for the girls. She truly became part of our family, and the girls loved to call her their "second mom." I have had to make major adjustments, since I feel like I don't really know how to parent without her as my backup just a few blocks away. Our neighborhood feels empty without her. With this change, comes the realization that Aubrey will begin a new after school daycare routine on the afternoons that I am working. She will attend the YMCA's after school camp right there at her school. Though the setting is familiar, and she feels comfortable with the kids she knows, it's all just new. She's now got to hold it together a few more hours in the school building. She will get to know a few more adults, and their expectations, routines, etc. I am confident that she is up the challenge, and that she will enjoy her time at the Y, but it's just not the same as going home with your sister and your two best friends, to be enveloped in hugs by your "second mom."
While I try to help the girls settle into their new routines, Brian is adjusting to his own too. As the new principal at LRMS, he's still getting to know the staff, building, kids, and norms in his own school. This means early mornings, late evenings, and sometimes weekend days, working to make his school the best it can be. I know this is in and of itself incredibly stressful, so I am trying not to place more on his shoulders than necessary, and just "handle" what's going on at home, until he gets his bearings.
So, for a person who is challenged when it comes to accepting change, I'm just a little maxed out at the moment. Feeling overwhelmed, sentimental, happy, and sad. We're all taking on big, new challenges this year. We've all got things to learn, responsibilities to take on, and room to grow. We will all blossom and succeed. It's just going to take us some time to get there. In the meantime....deep breaths.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Meet your teacher 2016
I took Aubrey to the "meet your teacher" event at DC last week. She was so excited/nervous to find out who her teacher was, and was thrilled when she got Mr. Fuglee and found out she has several friends in her class! It's going to be a great year! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)