School Days

Karl and I decided that we would start sending Cooper to Mother's Day Out this year.  Let me just say, this came with a lot of stress and tears (because I am neurotic and overprotective)!  I was very picky about where I wanted him to go, and one by one, I kept crossing places off my list.  I really didn't think I would find the "right" place.  My dad pointed out that maybe I was being a little too demanding and picky.  Maybe???  By February, I was down to one place, and I hadn't even seen it yet, but I decided that's where I would register him because I knew I didn't like any other place.  When I walked in the first time, I was amazed!  It was a dream come true!  I loved everything about the place and even sent Karl a text message telling him I was jealous that Cooper was going to get to go and not me!  They were also the only place close by that offered a two and three day choice (I only wanted Coop going two days this year) and the phonics program that I passionately love.  Everything about this place had me so excited!  

Fast forward six months, and it was time for Little Man to set off on this new adventure.  For at least two weeks before his first day, there were tears.  A lot of tears.  By me.  Crazy!!  I even googled his teachers' names when I got his welcome letter, and I almost clicked on the "Order Background Check" option on one website before Karl told me I was going waaaaayyyy overboard!!  Then I had serious thoughts about not sending Coop this year and waiting until next year so that he would be bigger and older.  Karl nixed that too. 

So, with my anxiety building, the first day finally arrived, and Little Man was ready!  When I put his backpack on him and told him he was going to school, he rushed outside to get on the "scoo buh" (school bus).  He was seriously disappointed that he didn't get to ride the bus!  We took our pictures and then loaded up in the car.  Karl went with us that day so he could walk Cooper in too.  I think it was truly so that he could make sure I left Cooper's classroom that day though!  When we walked in, a little boy was crying, and Cooper started getting a little pouty and put his head on my shoulder.  We kissed him, got him distracted by a dump truck, and snuck out before he could start crying.  I immediately teared up and told Karl not to talk to me.  I didn't make eye contact with anyone as we left and started crying as soon as the car door shut.  When we got home, Karl asked me what I was going to do for the next few hours, and I told him I was going to sit in Cooper's room and cry!  I didn't though.  I got my chores done, and before I knew it, it was time to go get him.  

When I went in his classroom to get him, he was content and playing with a little girl.  I walked over and knelt down beside him.  He didn't notice at first, but when he did, he got up, went and stood with his back to the wall, and said, "Daddy?" with his little arms raised up like he was asking a question.  In other words, "Where's my daddy because I'm mad at you right now for leaving me!"  That about broke my heart!  I had picked him up some of his favorite gummy worms and had them in his car seat as a surprise.  He didn't change his attitude towards me though and gave me the cold shoulder until dinner time! The little stinker!  

He was looking for the school bus!

My big boy's first day of school