Picture Day

 

Today was picture day at Maxim’s school!   I told Max the photographer might tell him to “say cheese” and he should smile.  I told him to show me a happy face and he looked up at me with a very text book smile. :-).  He doesn’t always listen like that or give me a smile on command.  When you do manage to get him where you want and he looks at you without grabbing the camera he takes amazing pictures!!

I smoothed his hair to one side and sprayed it down as much as I could without coating his peanut butter toast.   To be honest I did his hair kinda wild but he immediately mashed it down.  Studious is a super cool look also.

When we arrived the stack of photo forms made me think of ours stacked neatly on a pile of important stuff at home.  Of course they had me covered with an extra and I happened to have cash to cover them.  It’s a good 30 minutes home and back so thankfully I’ve established myself as the forgetful type and they’re ready for me hehe. One of Maxim’s classmates was dressed in costume.  I can’t tell you how much joy this gives me.  This place is so warm and welcoming and embraces the unique qualities in our precious kids.

I can’t wait to pick him up and hear how it went!  Last year we hit the jackpot when this expression was captured professionally.

Of course we purchased a full package -this image is gold!!

 

Back to School

I have feared the first day back to school since I was 5 years old.  For me it meant tummy aches and possible puking.  So of course when my own kids head back there is a bit of anxiety that I must keep to myself.  I thought maybe I’d get some whimpers or some tears.  Perhaps a bit of clinging?  No.  None of that.  They ran off into their classrooms as though they were finally FREE OF ME.  hmmm  Thank you universe!!!  What a load off!

I do know Max was missing his routine.  He watched his little video from school over and over again during the holiday.  It’s something I’m VERY thankful for.  His love of routine.  It means when he sees the familiar street towards his super cool school, he smiles and starts throwing stuff aside…the drink, the cereal cup, his hat.  When I scoop him out of his seat he squeezes me like he’s juicing an orange.  I set him down and he runs to the door.  He almost always turns around and stops just when you think things are going smooth but that’s ok.  We stand and watch traffic come and go a bit.  One thing I’ve learned with my son is there is no need to rush.  Ever.  Of course I’m lying….cuz you really have to rush sometimes but I understand on a deeper level what Max is telling me…no need to rush.  Ever.  If it’s ever possible to take all the time in the world I do.  It’s a journey, there’s lots to see and experience in everyday ordinary things.  Things like the cold feel of a sign post, the wheels turning as vehicles roll by, the bell ringing and all the stories it begins.

Normally, I get Max settled, he offers me his forehead to kiss…sometimes his lips and then I head out to the truck.  He stands at the glass door and jumps up and down, waving at me until I’m gone.  He loves to watch vehicles pull up and back out.  He also loves his mommy.  I don’t feel any less loved seeing him abandon this special goodbye and race into his classroom to sit at his little chair.  I only feel more pride and excitement for this little dude growing up before my eyes.  Excited for school and new challenges.  It is shocking and kinda like a slap in the face but also a very lovely and important event.