This year was a big year for us… Jackson started Kindergarten! He was pretty excited, and we all thought he’d love it! He started  in afternoon kindergarten last Wednesday, but we were hoping someone wouldn’t show up for the morning so we could get into morning kindergarten. Here are the first day pictures:

He was so excited to ride the bus to school! The first few days I followed the bus to see how many stops and make sure he was good to go when he got to school. Well, the bus was a few minutes late each day, but other than that the bus ride was the highlight of the week! The first day Jackson was not very happy when I picked him up. He wouldn’t really talk and when he did he’d answer with an annoyed, “YES!” or “NO!” I was a little concerned, but I thought maybe he was just tired.  Each day he was a little sadder when he came home. Finally, Friday afternoon we got a call from the school saying someone had dropped out of morning and we could take their spot. Woohoo! Jackson and I were so excited! He knew a couple of kids in the morning class, it would work out so much nicer for carpools and with Lacey’s preschool schedule. He always seems much happier in the morning and not so tired, so I thought the morning would suit him much better this year. Monday came and we went early to meet his new teacher. She was so kind and welcomed him and took him out to show him where they line up, his new desk, etc. She really is a nice lady. Every day since Monday has been an all out fight to get him into the car to go to school. It breaks my heart, I hate seeing him so unhappy. I think reality just set in that this kindergarten stuff is everyday! Its a much bigger school, much bigger class, and I think a little more “sit at your desk and listen” than preschool. I’m hoping that he will settle in by the end of the week… we’ll see (this may be a long year)! His teacher emailed me yesterday and said he is “a very sweet and bright boy and a pleasure to have in class!” and  that made me feel so much better – I was hoping he would have a teacher that saw the positive in him and would be patient with this issue. I think he does fine when he’s in class and he’s happy after school… have any of you had any kids that hate going to school? What did you do to help them? I love this little guy and want him to be happy!

*** UPDATE – 8/18/11 – Today when I dropped Jackson off at school he walked in by himself and didn’t cry a tear (I cried a few though)***

Lacey, on the other hand, was ready for school 3 years ago! Her school started yesterday and on Sunday she came in to my room while I was getting ready and said, “you always let Jackson go to school, how come I don’t get to go?” I told her school was starting this week and she was so thrilled!!! It couldn’t come fast enough. Finally Tuesday morning came, and she got ready, put on her backpack, and after dropping Jackson at his school and a sad goodbye with him, we finally got her to school! She was happy as a clam when we picked her up. She couldn’t wait to go back today. Its fun for her to have SO much to talk about. She loves to talk, she’s just excited for life!

Now Chelle and I have a couple hours a few days a week to hang out. I’m so happy that she and I have a little time before the baby comes to hang out just me and her. She is a such a sweet little girl.

She’s been learning a lot of words in the past few months and she understands and communicates really well. In the middle of July we lost her last binky and so we decided to wean her. She was really only using it to fall asleep, but it definitely made a big difference… Instead of taking two hour and a half naps a day, she’s down to one hour or hour and a half nap a day. She really is so sweet though and loves to give hugs and kisses and cuddle. She is very loving and easy going.

These sweet little kids all came with such different personalities! It makes me laugh at how different they all are, but how well they can get along and work things out. What’s even funnier is the little traits that Micah and I see in them that have always been a part of me or him… I was a lot like Jackson in Kindergarten – I really did not like it… but I don’t really know the best way to deal with it either! Lacey’s brain and creativity come from Micah, and sometimes he can’t figure out how to get through to her. What have we done to our kids???  😉 It is definitely a fun ride being a parent.