Surviving my only child growing up. Our journey to kindergarten.....

Here I sit 3 nights before I have to register my baby for kindergarten.  This is what we have been getting her ready for.  I find myself really sad about the whole thing.  I want to protect her, keep her from the bullies, the "real world".... 

This is our only child this is the only time we get to take this journey. We will have a lot of firsts and lasts at the same time.  I sit here crying at the thought of her growing up. That's what they do, I know.  

I sit here and try to be excited for her, but in my heart I dread the day I put her on that school bus.  I know I have had fun with every moment we have had thus far no regrets, maybe just to slow down time.  

My feelings are similar to the ones I had about kindergarten. I didn't want to go, I wanted to stay with my mom, I couldn't wait to get home..... I was soooooo nervous.

I know you're thinking. You area a working mom, she's been in school since she was 2 months old.  Well folks I am one of those people that get to work where my child goes to preschool. Have always been in the same building with her minus meetings.  So although she is socially and academically ready, her mom may not be.

Kindergarten registration was clearly over rated in my mind before arriving. Not only had my life views changed drastically that Tuesday morning.  My mom, you know the one I that I mentioned earlier, the one that I never wanted to leave her side.  She had an accident at home, falling down an entire flight of stairs face first. Most of Tuesday my mom and dad spent their day in the  ER waiting for doctors, nurses and specialist to come up with the best care plan for her.  Well needless to say, I was very worried about my mom, and couldn't even be sad about signing up my little for kindergarten, how could I, I had not time to think about it. 

I arrived at kindergarten registration, filled out 10 pages of repetitive materials, showed my proof of residency 3 times, immunizations, and birth certificate.  Then I waited and waited and waited..... It's just the nature of the beast. Met with the lady, to notarize the papers that said I wasn't lying about our residency and that little had never been suspended/expelled from school before..... Glad I got that all cleared up.  Then my DH met me at the school got little and I headed to see for my own eyes that my mom would be ok.

Putting things in perspective that day made kindergarten registration seem just like the next step in like, my little was ok, healthy, smart, growing kid!!!!

Fast forward 6 months.....

Kindergarten Orientation and meet the teacher night! 

We arrive promptly to the school at 5:30 with our school supplies in hand.  Walk down the long hall to find her classroom. Round the corner to meet the very seasoned, smile on her face, kindergarten teacher. We find her desk, my super awesome husband helps her load up her pencil box and find the proper place for the rest of the supplies.   I don't even think he realized I couldn't read the directions for the night. I was completely freaking out inside.  We walked around the school finding all of the important places! I liked that part getting to see all off the different classrooms in the building. The parents get schooled on curriculum and then we have Popsicles in the cafeteria.  We hurry home to get to bed to get ready for school the next morning.  

We wake up, eat a good breakfast, pack her lunch and afternoon snack, head to the location of our bus stop...... I am completely worried about this 30 minute bus ride.  The bus pulls down the street and low and behold the driver is someone I went to high school with. What a relief!! God knows what we need. I needed comfort with the bus!  

She went to kindergarten 3 days last week and I know I have cried every day including Saturday. It breaks my heart to see her go. I pray she has a good day, she eats her lunch, she makes friends, and listens to all of her teachers. I pray for her all day long!

Well this kindergarten adventure has just begun.  I am sure I will have more fun things to blog about... This coming week I am going to my first PTO meeting. 

Working moms vs Stay at home moms

Mom's are hard workers no matter if they stay at home, work out of the home, single or married. Moms try their hardest, protect their family, educate their children, nutritious their children, etc.

There is this weird thing among mom's that can change ones presence/posture when speaking with other moms.  Not that it's right, it just happens. The working mom says "oh, you stay at home with your kids" and the stay at home mom says "oh, you work away from the home".  Each does what they feel is best/right for their family.

I, at times, am envious of the stay at home mom (SAHM). I too would like to stay at home with my little.  Teach her the things she needs to know for kindergarten, clean during the day, have home cooked meals, desserts, bread, etc., do all the projects I have pinned, be involved with all of the little SAHM mommy clubs.  Which tend to be very exclusive to SAHM's.

On the reverse side. I love the school my little is at right now.  She has great social skills, loves learning, knows almost all her letters and sounds and is starting to do simple reading.  I enjoy my job and the social interactions that is allows.  I have also made some great friends.  

My mom was a SAHM, as a child I loved that she was home when I got home from school, that she was my Girl Scout leader, the room mother for my class.  She always knew what I was doing and who my friends are.  Helped me with my homework.  Was my advocate when I needed it.  Took care of me when I was sick, took me to the doctor when I needed to go.  I know she sacrificed things.  She was and is a great mom.

I am a mom that works away from the home.  I feel as if I am chasing my tail when it comes to keep up with the house, laundry, cooking, etc.  I feel torn when it come to playing Barbie's or switching over the laundry.  Bedtime, oh how I would love to let her stay up all night.  I know better, I know a schedule and consistency is vital to her learning and happiness.  To our families happiness.  I charish the weekends, the evenings, the rides to and from school.  I enjoy it when she climbs up on the kitchen stool to "help" me cook.  I try to use all the time possible and make it as quality as I as I can.

I believe a SAHM and working mom tries to make all their time quality.  When you become burnt out, frustrated, get cabin fever.  Don't complain on social media the the kids are driving you crazy, or I wish they were back in school so you are home alone to get your "chores done", finishing your work week to pawn your kids off on their grandparents so you can have as many weekends as possible "kid free". It's ok to take a break. As mom, as a parent, you need some "me time". Just the reason for the break and the approach is what matters.