Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Whose kid is this???

Yes, he looks like my kid. Carries a Thomas the Tank Engine lunch bag like my kid. He's even wearing my kid's shirt. (Don't worry, it's been washed since last week's post)

But he isn't acting like my kid!


You see that cute yellow school bus die cut he's holding? That's his name tag. All of the kids have them. They're really only used by the kids who ride the bus to and/or from school. Do you know why he's holding his name tag so proudly??? Because he just got off the school bus! Ack!

Last week, Nathan assured me that he didn't want to ride the bus until he was 6, which will be next year. Fine with me.

Today, I waited patiently at school, in the !@#&!@ 103* heat. The bell rang and a happy, confident Nathan was the first one out the classroom door. He lined up along the wall like they're supposed to, but didn't come rushing over to me when they were dismissed. Hmmmm...

Instead of his usual exuberance at seeing me, he was a little reserved. He gave me a brief hug, then said, "Mommy, I want to ride the bus home today".

Me: "What????? Are you sure?"

Him: "Yes."

Me: "Why?"

Him: "Because it's fun." (Evidently, riding in the mini van with Mom is no longer fun.)

Me (trying not to panic): "Okay, let's walk to the bus together and take a look."

Him: "I can do it myself. I know how. It's fun."

What's a mother to do???

We did walk to the bus together and I spoke to the driver. I figured it was the least I needed to do since this was his first time. Luckily, we live right on the corner at the second bus stop.

He seems to have turned a corner this week. There have been no tears in the morning. There has been no clinging or other octopus type behavior. He has still been holding my hand while we walk to the quad, but once we get there, he drops my hand and gets in line with the other boys. I barely get a hug and a kiss goodbye.

Oh how quickly they grow up.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story! My son just started third grade and if any teachers are around gives me the "see ya Mom" instead of a hug!!

Julie said...

Just what I needed to read today. I'm glad your little guy has adjusted.

My son starts kindergarten next week. If he is anything like his older brothers, there will be tears and clinging for a few weeks. Or he may just surprise me and go with the flow. I can only hope.

Raesha D said...

What a cutie!!! I always loved riding the bus when I was a kid and my daughter loves to ride it now:)

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I'm really glad to hear that things have settled out. I can remember riding the bus when I was in kindergarten and being so scared...so good on Nathan for thinking it's "fun!"

TTFN

Sarah said...

Welllll, I know you are a little sad, but, AWESOME! Way to go Nathan.

Dana said...

Go Nathan!

homespun living said...

Sending my first child off to Kindergarten was traumatic ~ for her, and me :) I actually rode the bus to school with her for two days because she was so upset.
And yes, they do grow up too quick ~ she's 19 now and ready to travel the world!
Debbie

Dinah said...

I am SO happy for Nathan..and for you! He's adjusting even faster than I thought he would. This is great news!