Well, there it is…

the first (almost) full week of back to school completed and most of us are none the worse for wear.  We still have issues actually waking up to our own alarm clock.  I know, it must not sound soothing or calm as mornings should be, but without a bit of jarring, she simply won't get up (until noon or so…).  

What we don't have?  Despite the trouble waking up, few are having difficulty going to sleep at night.  In fact, I find myself taking naps while putting Nicholas to bed.  Yes, normal people would just, say, go to sleep…but we know better about Jen.   Even Kelsey is tiring earlier every night.  We are still trying to figure out the correct amount of sleep for everyone, but we are all getting more shut-eye and that is important.

We can't forget that LG started Montessori this week and thus far appears to be a rip-roaring success.  I have taken him to the classroom each day and it is not long before he has a mat and is completely involved in an independent project.  Did I mention how much I love, love, love Montessori?  

It was a great fit for both C and Kelsey and I really felt I couldn't try anything else with Nicholas.  There have been no tears, each day he is excited and happy at pick-up and we spend the rest of the afternoon discussing new friends, teachers and snack.  In fact, the only downfall is that I feel as though I have wasted my 'free' mornings making appointments and napping.  Important stuff, I suppose, but feel like I should be cramming so much more into those three hours.

Did I also mention how grateful I am for the big, yellow school bus?  This is by far the most positive change.  Once I have successfully prevented C from returning to bed, she is on her own.  Just the knowledge of the bus, the chance to chat with friends, and the fact that she has a bit more independence gets her going.  She preps her backpack the night before, makes her own lunch, and gets herself to the bus stop 10 minutes before anyone else (and all of this allows me a few extra minutes of sleep).  Kelsey needs a bit more encouragement, but even on a 'late' waking morning, generally has an hour or so to get ready (well, has thus far).  Nicholas and I head to his school the minute the bus drives off, and with that, the morning is mine…and while I hadn't intended on the napping bit, this morning's dozing gave me enough energy to tackle a few boxes while the kids played this afternoon.   

I also needed a bit of a nap as I knew we had an event last night.  Kelsey's school PTA held a Popsicle Party for an hour or so after dinner.  Nothing fancy, just icy cold treats and a chance for kids and parents to hang out, chat, and for Nicholas to kick up a lot of dirt and move around some mulch.  It was really just a casual, but fun get to know each other time.  I was pleasantly surprised by figuring out that a friend C made on the bus turned out to be the daughter of a woman I met earlier in the week at the PTA coffee (her younger daughter attends Kelsey's school).  We reconnected tonight (thanks to C) and she, in turn, introduced me to several other moms and dads.  A nice, stress-free way to meet people and Little Guy was so exhausted by the evening, that he did not last through one story, much less several construction-themed books.

The week wasn't ideal.  A certain someone was missing, but he has missed quite a number of first days of school and  I have begun to realize that the kids simply don't seem to notice. Now if he were to miss Halloween?  A totally different story (fingers crossed R&R scheduling goes through properly!). More importantly, if he wasn't over there, we wouldn't be here, so the kids couldn't once again astound me with their amazing resiliency.   There are some days when I wonder if I am making it easier for them…or if their presence makes this entire scenario not such a bitter pill for me to swallow?

It's not perfect, the house is still getting there, I have a million and one changes I want to make, Kelsey is still a bit worried about friends, and C frets over activities…but overall?  Things are calmer, happier and I feel like we are really starting to get settled.  Who knows, one day I may even find that Yoga class or a walking group.  In the meantime, we are simply going to enjoy the lovely fall weather that has begun to descend upon us and all that goes with it…apple-picking, pumpkin patches and fall festivals, sign us up!