Last Day of School

Is it really my last day, mom?

(How cute is his Goddard School Summer Camp shirt?)

Ryan's last day of school was today. I told myself that I didn't want to cry but I couldn't help it. I dropped him off this morning and when I got back in the car, the water works started to flow. I didn't want him to see me cry. I wanted him to have a great day and not think about it being his last...so I held it in and kissed him goodbye.

Sadly, his day did not start off on a good note. Ryan was up earlier than usual and was pretty much cranky while getting dressed and during breakfast. He is going through a "I don't want to listen" stage and boy is it trying on our parental nerves. I made Ryan a special breakfast, a waffle with syrup (which is rare because he usually gets cereal or a cereal bar so he was excited!) and gave him half a banana. Gotta have something healthy in there too! Well after a few bites, he decided he didn't want anymore (this is an ongoing thing- trying to get him to eat breakfast is like pulling teeth lately!). I told him that he had eat at least half the waffle and a few bites of the banana (well 2 for his age!) and drink his milk. After a few more complaints, he finally buckled and ate exactly how much I told him to eat. I said good job buddy, now drink your milk. He didn't want to drink and threw a fit. I warned him about time out if he kept it up and right after I said that, he took a sip and then spit it back out all over himself! ARRRGGGHHH! I took a deep breath, helped him off his chair, wiped up his shirt and sat him in time out. Yep....last day of school and he started it with a session of time out at home! I must say though, his attitude did improve after he sat for a while. Of course I had "crying ryan" to deal with while he served his time for a few minutes but he did calm down and said he was sorry. He was great on the way to school and completely excited when we got there because they had a story teller guest come in to perform for the kids! I got to watch a little and this guy was very good...very entertaining and engaging to watch.

When I look at the photos of his first day of school (January 2007), I can't believe how big he has grown in just a year and a half. He was 14 months old when he started school. He will turn 3 in November! Our little boy is quickly becoming a "big boy!"

Ryan's ready for his first day at school!

At his first day, I had so many questions! How would Ryan sleep on the floor when he had only ever slept in his crib? How can you make him sit in a big boy seat for snack and lunch when he always sat in his highchair for meals? Ryan's teacher in the tweenie room, Ms. Connie, said simply "Monkey See...Monkey Do!" She took several pictures of Ryan throughout the day so I could see what he did. He not only did great with eating at a table but even took a nap on the floor all cozy in his new sleeping bag. Once again, I cried. From the moment we stepped in this school, he showed me that he was ready to go. He loved having days filled with learning,new experiences and playing with children his own age. He quickly made many friends and stole the hearts of his teachers. They adored him and I couldn't have been more proud of my little guy.

In September 2007, Ryan "graduated" to the Toddler Room. Ms. April was his teacher and I credit her for helping Ryan increase his vocabulary and use "his words" verbally and not just in sign language (yes, I taught my son sign when he was an infant- it's such a great tool...I encourage all new parents to do it!). Ms. April found out she was pregnant shortly after we found out about our pregnancy. Having his teacher also pregnant helped him prepare for the arrival of his baby sister! As I type this post, Ms. April is at the hospital welcoming her first child into the world, a little boy they will name Kyle (we think she is 100% for this name!). I can't wait to show pictures to Ryan. Ms. April is going to be the best mom!

Ms. April & Ryan

Ms. Ashley was the assistant in the tweenie room with Ms. Connie and she made the transition over to the toddler room when Ryan did. It has been so wonderful having her care for Ryan his entire stay at school. She was there his first day and she was there to say good bye today. Ryan even wanted to name his baby sister Ashley because he adored his teacher so much! That is a true story....whenever we would ask what his baby sister's name was going to be, he would say Ashley! He is too funny and too cute sometimes!

Ms. Ashley and Ryan

Chris is usually the one to pick Ryan up at the end of the day but with being swamped at work lately, I had to drop off and pick up the last few days. Before leaving this evening, I took pictures of Ryan with his "favorite things" at school.

Ryan and the tree house!

This would be a cool thing to have in the backyard!

Ryan's cubbie at school.

Ryan LOVES circle time and learning about the days of week, months, weather. I even got a calendar that we have up in his room so we can continue circle time at home!

Ryan and the tunnel. This is his absolute favorite place in his classroom!

With Ryan being in school 3 days a week for the past month and a half, this gave me plenty of one on one time with the baby. It really helped me ease into taking care of newborn again and allowed me to not be so stressed out. Now I will really find out what it is like to be a stay at home mommy of a toddler and newborn! So let the fun begin!

Oh and Kara also cried this morning when we dropped off Ryan. Maybe she knew this was her last day with just mommy too!...or it could be that she didn't want the hat on! haha- what do you think?