So We Danced

It was a Daddy-Declan day as I was at work. Seems they had a great time. We gave Declan some pencils, markers, glue, scizzors and a workbook to reward him for a great first week (ok...three days actually) of school. I came home to find the boys sitting at the table drawing together and listening to music.

There were pages and pages of drawings as they'd been at it for a long time. After Declan showed me his pictures Daddy put on some music for us (yes this included The Beatles) so Declan and I could dance.

We're pretty lucky. This kid brings us so much joy.

2nd Day of School

Declan woke up eager to go back to school. I asked if he was going to make some more friends today and he said "I already made friends with two girls." We had a great walk to school together this morning. Declan told me he'd like to have a squirrel, a bunny and a hamster as pets. I told him that he couldn't have a squirrel as a pet because they're wild animals and they are not to be kept inside as pets. Told him maybe when he's big and can handle the responsibility he could have a hamster for a pet. Declan's said "and a bunny." I asked "aren't you worried that Hunter would want to chase the bunny?"

Declan: "I'd get a bunny cage too." 

He told me they're just so cute.

When we arrived at school he didn't hesitate to get right in there to play and he said the day was good. He was sad that I didn't come back later to see him line up outside like I'd done yesterday. I had to explain how that was just a special first day of school thing. He was still disappointed.  He told us that he played Duplo, went outside, drew a flower on a thing you don't take home and he also drew two snakes but he didn't like them so he erased them. Told me he doesn't like snakes because they're all scary. He told me again that he made friends with two girls before changing the store to only one girl. I asked if she was pretty and he said "yeah." I don't know if it's the same girl but he told us a girl drew him a picture of 'space' to be nice. So...she gets him.

Another easy bedtime as Declan fell asleep soon as we said goodnight. Great start to the school year.

First Day of School Ever

The Muffin Man was eager and excited for his first day of school. He'd helped pick out his outfit last night before bed. This morning we looked at what is packed for his lunch and he added a couple snacks. Just before he put on his shoes he took Monkey upstairs and tucked him into bed to wait until he got home. Then he went back up and closed his bedroom door (you know, to keep him extra safe). Backpack on...and we were on our way.

We arrived at the school for 7:30am because Declan is a part of the before/after program. This means he gets to walk right into his classroom when we arrive.

I was able to see where his name tag/bag hook is and he got right into the toys immediately. I did get a hug and kiss but when I was walking out he literally blew me a kiss and was back to the toys. 

[Since I observed one child have a melt down when his Dad left and another try to make a break for it later during lineup I guess I should be pleased it was so easy for him to settle in].

At 8:30am the before care kids went out into the school yard to line up with the other kids arriving to start their first school day. I watched Declan run around a little before he noticed is come back. He ran over and tried to hug me through the fence but soon as he heard the school bell he yelled "school bell!!!" And ran to get in line. Guess he's been paying attention.

That was it. School had officially started and I had to wait the whole day to see how he did.

At 4:15pm Daddy got home, picked me up and we headed straight over to collect Declan from the end of his school day and the after care period. He was happy to see us. He was wearing an "I survived my first day of JK" paper hat he'd made and there was some more artwork in his backpack. He said he had a great day. He played with two girls but couldn't remember their names, he had marker on his hands and face, he used the classroom washroom without trouble, and says the best part of the day was playing with toys.

Pretty proud of my monkey. Hope he enjoys tomorrow as well.

Kid was tired end of the day.

Tomorrows the Big Day

What seemed like it was never going to get here is now mere hours away...

1st day of Junior Kindergarten tomorrow.

Declan is excited, he picked out his outfit, I'm all set to walk him to school and Daddy is looking forward to the pick up and to hear how the day went.

I'm so proud of my little monkey and I hope he isn't dissapointed in what the day brings. He won't be learning about space on the first day I'm sure.

Summer is Over

We spent the late afternoon, early evening at Auntie T and Uncle Scott's house. Declan was getting braver in the pool, he jumped off the stairs, off the deck holding my hands, he was playing in the shallow end independently and swam in the deep end holding me with only one hand. 

Today (Labour Day) I had to work so the boys were home alone. Declan was outside playing with bubbles, drawing with chalk and they took a nice long walk.

Tomorrow is his last day at Kelly's and then Wednesday is his first day of school. 

So excited for the kid. He's ready.

End of the Week

Our last full day at the cottage we had beautiful weather. Declan and I got in some more time loungin in the lake, he ran around with Chelsey, tried some more fishing and ended the day by trying oven made smores. Yes that is correct, Declan wanted to try a smore. He did not care for it but he tried it, no pressure at all. Very proud of him this week. Now in case there was any question as to what happened to my kid he did ask me during dinner last night if I had a favourite painter when I was little. He's kindof precious.

This morning he was sad because we had to leave and he just wanted to keep playing with Chelsey. Now we're back to reality. After getting in a solid afternoon nap Declan and I walked over to his school to read the posted class lists. Declan's teacher is Mrs. Wigood. There are 28 kids in the JK-SK split classroom. We hit up the playground for a half hour before heading back home for dinner and bath. Three more days before he's officially a student. 

Shocked

Today at the cottage was cool and overcast. Not a great swimming day but it was a great day.

1) Visited Haliburton Village and showed Declan the big train engine.

2) Went fishing on the dock. Chelsey caught a nice little fish while Declan was hesitant to hold his own fishing rod. He was worried the fish would pull the rod too hard so he just helped me with the buttons and turning the reel. He was brave enough to touch the fish when Chelsey caught it. He was pretty excited when we caught a mini fish with his rod, two times.

3) And the best moment of the day.... Declan asked me if he could have an apple. I quickly grabbed one and sliced it up on a plate for him. He ate every slice I have him. I was sooo happy but tried to not make a big deal out of it because... you know kids...I didn't want him to stop eating because I was so excited. Now we will need to have apples at home always!