The times, they are a changin'

When did this happen? I could have sworn that it was just yesterday that I was freaked out about my baby going to kindergarten... now, he's a big 2nd grader.

Kindergarten...............................2nd grade


Each new school year brings so many changes! Yes, I know that these changes are primarily Bennett's changes. A new teacher, new classroom, new schedule, new friends, new things to learn, new adventures. But, there are new things for me too - and I've learned over the years how hard change can be for me! Anybody who knows me, knows that I like things just a certain way. A routine is my friend. Sometimes my best friend.

I've been working on being more flexible. It sounds funny to say that... working on being flexible. But, that's what it is. It's so hard! This summer could be called 'The Summer of Little Plans' and it was great! It was an experiment to see if I could do it. Could we just do whatever each day? Would I feel guilty about staying home and letting Bennett play by himself? Would he be miserable without having his day scheduled 100% of the time?

Guess what?? It was a great summer! We did have days with plans (swimming, library, shopping) but for the most part, it was just me and my boy. It was fabulous! We weren't in a hurry to get out of our pajamas. We took time to read together on the couch in the afternoon. I limited his TV watching time and he played with his Star Wars figures and Legos. We played games. It was great.

I loved having Bennett home this summer. I remember, back in the olden days, when he was in pre-school, that I would count the days until Mother's Day Out started back. It was so hard, trying to keep him occupied and out of trouble. Now, though, we just enjoy each other. He's more content. Probably because I'm more content.

And now, he's gone back to school. And I am readjusting to life without him from 8 to 3. Don't get me wrong... he loves school and I'm thrilled that he's there. And yes, I do enjoy having a little time in my day that I don't have to talk about Star Wars. But, it's a big adjustment deciding what to do with my time. Tomorrow I'm going back to the gym and then I'll be a library volunteer in the afternoon.  And the rest of the week... well, it's full!! Blink. and it's full. And that seems kinda strange.

Maybe I'm making a little progress...