So I’m happy to report that Howard LOVES school.
This is not a huge surprise given that he also loves grocery carts, Veggie Tales t-shirts and English peas.
Oh, and air.
We knew he’d be enthusiastic about preschool; we just didn’t know how he’d react to being at a new place. He was crazy about his Mother’s Day Out and talked about it all summer long, so we were a little bit afraid that he’d arrive at his new school, see that it wasn’t his old MDO and then commence with much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
But here’s what he did when the carpool person opened the door Wednesday morning: “GOOD MORNING! Are you going to take me to my class?”
So I’m pretty sure that he was fine.
I went to pick him up right before lunch, and while I had heard stories about how carpool pick-up can be rough for the first couple of weeks, I figured it couldn’t be too bad. In fact, I was so confident that I understood how pick-up worked that I didn’t even bother to look at the carpool map beforehand because GAH, Y’ALL – IT CAN’T BE THAT HARD.
Ahem.
And I will pause for a moment while you seasoned carpool professionals laugh at me.
It seems that there was a critical point in the carpool pick-up process when I should’ve turned and made a loop instead of continuing to go straight, and as a result of my navigational gaffe I ended up blocking a large line of cars that were trying to make their way out of the aforementioned loop.
So I created a bit of a bottleneck. Oh yes I did.
What’s even more embarrassing is that I really had no idea I was doing anything wrong. I was smiling and waving and LOOK, EVERYONE! I AM A COURTEOUS CARPOOL DRIVER! HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
And all the while a very long line of cars could not turn right, turn left or do the hokey pokey and turn themselves about. Thanks to, you know, me.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t merge into the traffic ahead of me, I couldn’t get out of the way, and I certainly couldn’t turn to the right, which is of course what I should have done to begin with, only I didn’t know that because of my previously mentioned failure to realize that CARPOOL MAPS, THEY ARE HANDY.
Finally, though, the traffic jam ahead of me started to move, and after I let, like, two hundred and forty nine cars have the right of way, I was able to merge into the proper carpool lane.
Never let it be said that I don’t know how to make a memorable first impression, my friends.
About fifteen minutes later, I pulled up in front of the school to get the little man. And I have to tell you: when I saw our child walk out of the school holding his teacher’s hand – just as confident and happy and cute as he could be – well, my heart splintered into a million bittersweet pieces. Before I even knew what hit me, I was wiping away the tears.
I love that boy.
After school we met my friend NK and her girls for lunch. NK is one of my closest friends; her older daughter and Alex have been buddies since they were babies. Last week we found out that they were going to be in the same class – and not only that, they have assigned seats next to each other. Alex doesn’t know anyone at New School, but having AC beside him makes him feel right at home. NK filled that exact same role in my life when we moved here seven years ago. God is faithful.
As we systematically demolished a round of chips and queso dip, Alex and AC told us all about the games they played on their first day of school. They talked about their story time, their playground time and their trip to the treasure chest. And as I listened to them, I wondered how in the world we managed to get from this:
to this:
in the span of what feels like just a few months?
By the way, here is where you can feel free to insert the cliche’ of your choice about how quickly time passes.
And sharing in these little lives? It gets sweeter every day.
Enjoy him now, because before you know it, this is how he’ll look:
http://lynneslittlecorner.blogspot.com/2007/07/senior-pictures.html
Well, not exactly. I’m sure he won’t be wearing a drape and pearls – but you get the idea!
My 12 year old just took a toy away from the 4 year old.
No it doesn’t get sweeter, and time doesn’t pass THAT quickly…
but it’s better than government work. unless of course, YOU work for the government. In which case… bravo!
It happens so fast. Those pictures make me want to cry. And not because I’m unnaturally attached to those children in your pictures, but because my own are rapidly growing faster than I can keep up. And I just can’t think about it anymore!
Love the carpool story. It reminds me of the scene in the movie “Mr. Mom” where all the mothers are yelling at Michael Keaton for going the wrong way. “You’re doing it wrong!” Or my family’s favorite line to use whenever anyone is going in the wrong direction. “South to drop off, moron.” Not that I am advocating the use of the word “moron” in everyday conversation or anything, but it does have it’s place occasionally.
Atleast it wasn’t the bus lane,like I so brilliantly drove through. It was open and clear and looked way more convienent than the long line of cars in the car lane.
That’s why I will never again have medication during childbirth. Because I swear there’s something in those drugs that has a lingering effect that lasts, oh, about eighteen years or so. How else could I possibly have just dropped my daughter off at college when she was just learning to walk, like yesterday?!
Just enjoy as much of it as you can, while you can. :smile:
oh how cute! and comforting. my little one starts school in 3 weeks and i’m nail-bitin’ nervous. but God-willing, she’ll be every bit as courageous and excited about it as Ale..I mean Howard.
Doesn’t it just break your mommy heart a little bit every time they grow up before you braced yourself? And to be so stinkin’ proud at the same time? This motherhood thing isn’t for the emotionally unstable!
Awe! So adorable!!
Tears in my eyes. Burning. Stinging. My hormones are out of control today, but still.
OK- tip to all carpool newbies. OTHER than reading the map BEFORE you get to the school (hehe)… the other Golden Rule is:
Don’t get their early, park at the curb any.where in line and get out of your car and leave.
You will never come back before the line gets moving. It’s a law of science. And you will block the whole process and cause major mayhem.
And it will be remembered all the year through. You will need to buy a new car just to get your kidlets.
I”m just sayin’.
Good to hear all went smoothly. I assume he is feeling better too.
And, don’t you think it is about time you considered changing the title of this blog to “Howardmama”?
Just a thought.
Has anyone told you how many volunteer hours you will have to put in at school before you are redeemed for making a mess of car rider lane?
Precious pictures!
Kelli cracks me up….”I’m just sayin”. Yea the carpool line. Oh well, hopefully you can get a new car before MONDAY when you have to take Howard/Alex back to school. ha ha
Now I have tears in my eyes. I was just looking at my oldest thinking “when did your legs get so long?” Not that there really long given the genetics he’s been dealt. But you know what I mean. Sniff.Sniff.
Remember that line from Mr Mom, where he messed up the carpool line, and all the moms were like, “YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG!” I love that part.
Sweet, sweet post.
That story made me so verclempt, but when I saw those pictures, well, I cried.
I admit it.
I have 2 going to preschool next week. I am in trouble.
It’s like sands through the hourglass.
And I know exactly how you feel.
I heart neon pink nails.
And your baby starting preschool is unexpectedly difficult, for me anyway…I thought I would at least be ok until Kindergarten! But, yes, God is Faithful.
I loved your carpool story, I have had a minor carpooling debockle myself, a time or two. That is why they hand out the maps with the huge arrows all over them!
Don’t worry, once you get over the sadness of seeing him so independant and loving preschool, you will be doing a little jig with all of your free time in the mornings!
Hey BooMama…..
I just laughed laughed laughed laughed and then wanted to cry cry cry cry!! I am one of those carpool experts that you mentioned and just smiled at your “doings!” Honey…we’ve all been there done that! I’m so glad your little guy had such a great day!! They grow up too fast, but each phase is just a treasure. Enjoy!! Good luck…and quit causin trouble at school! :)
Blessings…
i love that alex got a blog name!
what sweet pictures. i have no personal carpool experience but it sound really tricky. i’m sure i would have made the same mistake.
I LOVE closed-eye smiles…they’re the best!
I have never carpooled, so I’m not laughing, but learning, I hope :)
Have a great weekend!
In His Joy,
Holly
If you think Howard went from baby to school in a blink, just hold on. Today MY baby, who surely should still be in elementary school doing dance and Scouts, had a baby girl. Now just how in the heck did THAT happen! And this is my 3rd little grandbaby so you’d think I’d have this figured out by now, wouldn’t you?
Another day in the life of mommydom, right? I really love the 2nd picture. What personality they both have. And…I really hope Alex’s teacher remembered his name. :)
today pre-school. Congratulations. It sounds like your little guy had a great time. Beware–Next it is Kindergarten, Elementary school, Middle school and then the dreaded HIGH SChOOL! I can’t believe that I am old enough to have 2 high schoolers.
Next is Driving.
Daddy has told our son that he will be able to get his drivers permit this Christmas. (not driving daddy’s sports car but MY CAR!)
Where did pre-school go? Wasn’t that yesterday?
Um they are pretty much the two cutest little cuties ever. Very cute indeed :)
My baby is about to turn two. TWO! Wasn’t she just 6 months old yesterday?
That carpool thing is horrible! Hubs does the drop-off in the morning and it is a mess!
I’m glad that Howard enjoyed preschool. I also hope his teacher remembered his name. Did you ever say anything to the swim teacher?
My son started first grade last week. I thought I’d be ready, since we’d already done kindergarten, but no. I cried the whole way home!
I can see that baby Howard takes after his BooMommy. He has the same look in his little baby eyes that you have in your glamourous hair shots. You, my friend, are a hoot.
are you sure that is not bigmama’s Caroline???
Just wait until Kindergarten. The first day, I went to the car, shut the door and just sobbed. She had no trouble at all.
And about carpool…BWAHHH_HA_HA_HA!
boomama,
if it hadn’t been myself this happened to, i wouldn’t believe it. took my baby to his new “big boy” class of two year olds, and honey, he told me to “go on, mama. i big boy now.”
how come i was the only one who was crying that day?
he’s seven now, so his grammar has improved a tiny bit, but still.
CHEEKS! I want to pinch the CHEEKS! Goodness, those are some cutie-pie kiddos.
Ah, the carpool lane. I love the ones that just park right in the middle of it and get out of their cars to recieve their kids! Go with the flow people, go with the flow! No, I was there once too, so I feel you’re pain. At least you had a map!
I hope the year goes well, and it will go by so quickly. My youngest went to Kindergarten on Tuesday. Here’s my pics:
http://kachoo5.blogspot.com/2007/08/blog-post_14.html
Oh my heart, this hurts my heart. What beautiful babies grown into beautiful children.
What a great post, Boo Mama. Your carpool disaster cracked me up. And what a cute baby Howard was. The look on his face in that baby picture is priceless. As is the hot pink polish on her nails in the second photo. What a fun post!
“…do the hokey pokey and turn themselves about.”
oh lawd, i do love me some boo-mama.
thanks for making my day!
I refused to drive my husband’s car to school to pick up the girls today. That’s because I drove it yesterday and didn’t want anyone to recognize that stupid, lame driver of a girl again after what I did yesterday.
Man, do I wish I could squidge that boy.
What cute pictures. Glad to hear that he had a successful first day of school.
Awww, I wish *I* could have seen him coming out of his first day of school! I’ve never had the experience of carpooling but it sounds…exciting, lol. When in doubt, take the map!
today preschool, tomorrow high school graduation…
that’s how I feel.
Blessings,
Karla
I could eat him up!
I’m glad to see he has some fashionista friendlets, hot pink nails and all. :)
Carpooling maps are handy! Good to know.
I am glad Howard had a fun day.
Ok, can I just say that I just LOVE that you’re still calling Alex Howard! I tried passing the story on to a friend, but I just couldn’t do it justice and bombed horribly. ANYWAY, beautiful post, carpool hijinx and all.
howard…alex….howard….alex.
Were they BOTH waving at you in the carpool faux pas lane???
Seriously, I did that at least once on the first day of at least 5 days. You’re not alone.
I dropped mine off at college yesterday. It really does fly…….
Blessings,
Jan
Now Howard’s big day really took me back. It was a long trip but yes, it did. Car pooling? I did in England with round abouts and MAGIC round abouts…survived it. By the time I got back to the states, they wanted to do the driving themselves and pretty shortly, wham bam thank you maam, they were. In the State of South Carolina, better known as State of Confusion, children are actually allowed to drive at the age of 15. Since I had socks older than that, I made mine suffer the humilation of waiting till 16 and 1/2…no arguments, no questions…who were they going to notify for this abuse, the law? I was the law…at home and at work…so I’d tell em go tell the police…I’m sure Sting will listen! Anyway, I ramble…your babies are adorable, and remember, next month Howard will want the car!
Remember that line from Mr. Mom?
South to drop off, Moron!
But after the Rocky montage Michael Keaton’s character was a volunteer crossing guard directing carpool traffic.
So all you need is a good montage.
PS: The kids are so cute I can’t stand it!
Oh my! The “then” and “now” pics are precious! Just wonderful!
This is why I love you Boomama. You have it all!
I laugh (Howard!), I cry (my heart splintered into a million little pieces).
Oh, and your love of butter just seals the deal.
Having baby – cost $30,000 worth of plastic surgery to get it back to looking like pre-baby stage.
Price your body pays in the sleepless nights – unlimited.
Watching your little man take a major step towards independence – priceless.
For everything else PRAY!!!
Cute pics!
Such a sweet (and funny) post. I just took my youngest to Kindergarten this week. It seems like just yesterday that I was taking her older brother for the first time (when she was just a baby).
I am glad Howard (LOL) had a great day!
I must write to say – those are the cutest pics EVER! Sweet, sweet babies….
My youngest starts kindergarten in two weeks (Texas is starting later…)
You are stepping into one of the most magical times of BOTH your lives.
Try not to miss a minute.
Oh the pictures are precious!! I could finally see them after wiping the tears from my eyes after laughing at your post. Yes I am a seasoned carpool mom who literally said “Oh no” out loud when you stated you had not read the enclosed carpool map – LOL!!
I am glad to hear Alex aka Howard is enjoying preschool!! My baby starts on Tuesday and while I am thrilled he will no longer be my appendage in places like the grocery store and mall I am also a bit sad b/c they do grow up so fast.
I know I too will be wiping away tears on Tuesday…
Love ,
Kim
before you blink, you’ll be wiping away tears as you watch from the dining room window as he pulls out of the driveway and drives himself to school!
Save those pics! One day they’ll get married!!!