A Day of Firsts

Yesterday was brimming with "firsts" in our household. All the boys and I started school. Year to year, I look forward to hearing the first words that the boys choose to tell me about their day. I find those initial reactions and intense desire to share those words endearing and telling. I'll never forget Andrew after his first day of kindergarten looking at me excitedly saying, "This was, like, the best day of my whole life!"

This year they also had exciting words to say.

Evan: "Mom, there are so many new books there. I don't know the names. They are all great!" These are the first words he chose to talk to me about. He babbled all the way home about eating tacos for lunch and getting burned on the HOT slide at recess. He later stated that his favorite parts of the day were nap time and the tacos! (I think the playdoh residue on his clothes indicates that he also enjoyed that activity!) Brendan: "Mom, Ms. Bohlman is awesome!" These were B's chosen words. He was thrilled with his new teacher and regaled us with stories at dinner of her Nascar pitstop theme in her room. (It is actually a discipline system- smart lady!) He loved recess. He loved gym. He loved it all.
Andrew: "Mom, How much is my Scholastic book budget?" Yes, those were his first words to me. He got the Scholastic book order and was working an angle to get a few new books. Later, he discussed how much he liked Mrs. Sonsolla and was thrilled that he will be on the same flag football team as her son this year. He laughed about his "easy" Geography homework. I think he is going to like 3rd grade.

Mom -- Me!: I also had many firsts yesterday. I had my first class of my sixth year of teaching. I had three writing classes yesterday, and they are big classes, so I experienced my first moment of panic about how I am ever going to get the grading done. I had my first smile from a student who was excited to have me again as a teacher. (I love that!) I had my first belly laugh in the classroom. As a teacher, I laugh and smile profusely. I missed that over the summer. I had my first great, exhausting, exhilarating, draining day.

Welcome Back to another year of awesome firsts.