First day back to School

Back to the grind, as they say. But, I am not sure if it technically could be called that when you are going back to 3rd and 1st grade and preschool. Actually, it counts for Rowan. Even though, Kaj is really at odds why summer is only 3 months long and believe that it should be reversed and the rest of the year dedicated to time off. It was nice to have them starting back--yeah, that house is quiet and I kinda miss the loud of the boys being home but they needed to go back. Luckily, they have buddies in their classes and are already doing really well.Kaj and Josh also began playing soccer this fall. It has been really fun to see the growth they have made in just weeks. Josh is starting when a lot of other kids are starting so he is definitely been able to hold his own. Kaj is starting a little later than other kids his age, but I feel like the coaches are very mindful of him and helping his improve. 

Kaj has had a few hang ups this year about the rules changing at school. There is a new principal this year, and he has implemented new rules. Kaj came home the first day and sat me down to have a private conversation and said, " he is literally like Mr. Krupp." ( this is the mean principal from the Captain Underpants series) 😂 But, he seems to be getting over it little by little.

Josh, as usual, has had a great attitude. The rules don't seem to bother him. He has made some good buddies within the first few days, which is nice. But, really, the beginning of this year has had an ease about it.

Rowan started his last year of preschool. He is back at Alyce Hatch with the same teachers he had last year. The group he is with has doubled, but he seems to have adapted really nicely. The teachers have been amazed at how much he has changed just over the summer. He has so much more spontaneous language, he is answering questions, he is more engaged with them. All great things. So many times I have talked about Rowan, and the pride I feel in who he is, but also the wonder and questions I have about the future for him. Ultimately, I know it is bright, and he is the light in the very room he enters in. I had a realization when he was taking swim lessons over the summer, as I sat and watched him with the small swim class he was in a class with two other little kids, and the teacher. He seemed to love it. But, there were times I noticed one of the other children do something and without fail the other would then begin mimicking the same action, and Rowan, would almost always do something different. Most times, he wouldn't seem to notice that they were both doing something and if he did he never changed what he was doing.  I was suddenly hit with a feeling of gratitude for that. He will never feel pressured to do something that other people are doing, not only will he not feel the pressure, I don't think he will even sense the pressure. He will make his own way, Rowan's way. He will decide. How amazing is that?! He is such a great boy! There are full sentences now that he will say that catch me off guard. I am obsessed with hearing what he has to say! Sam gave him a bowl of ice cream the other day, "Thanks, dad. This is my favorite!" -Rowan says- that whole sentence! He says "I love you, mom" or "I love you, dad" at bedtime whoever is by his bed. When the boys will sometimes Cheers each other at dinner, Rowan will add, "To the kids!" 😂 He is funny and sweet. And dang, feel so lucky to have him.