your huge dimply smile the moment you spot me at the gate. watching you explore the play ground and play on the equipment during lunch (my heart soars because this is so huge for you, especially with all the kids around) catching glimpses of you eating your lunch when I pick you up. Watching you teach lucas how to use the bathroom at school. Your pride. Your confidence, after just a few days. Your excitement to share details of your day (another huge thing!) Little bits and pieces of things you are learning. Your big backpack (it probably weighs more than you) Your first day of school outfit. Our conversations together. You telling me things such as, "mom, I love school! I can't wait to go back tomorrow! My teacher takes good care of us. Mom, do you like my school too?"
Oh Caleb. The first day I counted down the minutes until I could pick you up and see your face. When we walked on campus that morning your head was down and I felt like I would toss my breakfast. I was so nervous for you. A couple of teary eyed mornings for us both but by the third morning we had figured out a good bye routine that works well and you wave and give me a big smile before I head home with your brothers. I still check the clock and my belly still gets nervous and excited to come to the gate and wait for you and to see you. There's a cluster of other eager and excited parents waiting for their little ones to come out of the gate. My friend whose little boy is in the other TK class watches for you too, and spots you for me. A whole cluster of people who love you checked in with you and me this week. Oh how thankful I am for that. I love holding your hand in mine as we walk back to the car. You've been so, so happy this week. My heart soars to see you becoming more confident. You are so brave. So courageous. I love our afternoons, when all my little boys are back together again. Noah has huge smiles for you. Lucas is eager to greet you and play with you. We listen to music on the couch together while you eat a snack. We cuddle and relax as you share about your day. I love reading to you before you go to school too. We've had a lot of extra one-on-one time this week. It has been so special.
We are so proud of you Caleb Lincoln! You continue to surprise us and amaze us with your resilience and courageous spirit. We love watching you learn and grow.
You bring us so much joy.
Here are a couple things we've done to help ease the transition to TK
Read, Read, Read. We've read so many great books about school this summer!
My favorite though is, THE KISSING HAND. Each morning I give Caleb a kiss on his hand so he can put it to his heart whenever he misses me. If you haven't read it, read it. I guarantee you will
cry :)
Caleb's teacher has been reading PETE THE CAT books. Caleb's been singing parts of it to his little brothers when he comes home. I found it at the library. This is by far one of the greatest first day of school books! PETE THE CAT and his ROCKING NEW SCHOOL SHOES.
we sing it all the time. Every word in this book is so perfect for my sweet and sensitive boy who adores music. "I'm rocking in my school shoes, I'm rocking in my school shoes"
Praying over Caleb and for him, I knew God would place him with a very special teacher. I knew by the first day of meeting her that he is right where he is meant to be. I have prayed my heart out over this transition for Caleb and I get teary eyed just thinking of how good God is. He has answered so many of my prayers in ways above and beyond would I could even imagine.
We've done so many other things to prepare such as practicing opening his lunch box and talking about all sorts of new things he will be doing at school. But because I love books so much (as does caleb) I think reading books has really helped with the transition. We've also been playing at the school playground a lot to get him comfortable there. My heart danced to see him playing on the teeter tauter by the third day. Such a big deal for our guy :)
LLAMA LLAMA MISSES MAMA is another favorite book. There are just so many great ones!
We've been doing his home program and music therapy every morning. Getting a full night of sleep and really healthy breakfast full of protein before school. We will be setting up a 504 with the teacher and principal soon and continuing with his private OT once a week as well as setting up OT at school.
This year will be hard and challenging, it will be exciting and fun. I'm excited for all the possibilities this year holds for Caleb.
We love you so much sweet boy.
Love these posts for the first day of school :) dear first time kindergarten mom and another first
"He will command his angels concerning you to guard you, and, on their hands they will bear you up"
Luke 4:10-11
We are so proud of you! Hooray! You made it through your first week.
"Keep on rocking in those new school shoes...."
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