Third First

The story of our third First Day of School:  it was no big deal.

For all the anxiety and emotion of First Days of School past, today was surprisingly, shoulder-shruggingly, rather comfortably, normal.  It felt like picking up an old and familiar routine.  One that - after a long and satisfying summer of structure-less biking and swimming and hanging with friends - we were all ready for.

Greta crawled into bed with us some time in the middle of the night, and this morning whispered to me that she wishes she were still in 4K so she could come home with me for lunch.  I know you, Greta.  Your first school lunch will be seated right next to Sebastian with your kitty lunch box and your heart-shaped (you're welcome) peanut butter sandwich.  There will be giggles and hugs.  You won't think of your momma for even a second.

And Noah, you didn't give any of us even a hint of back-to-school nerves.  Last night you calmly yanked out your latest loose tooth before bed, deposited it under your pillow along with a note for the tooth fairy, and woke up this morning to report your disappointment that you received only a boring dollar bill for your efforts.  No bad dreams.  No moodiness.  Not even an argument about what shirt to wear or whether it was okay to play video games before the bus came.  You ate your breakfast, brushed your teeth, got your clothes and shoes on, reminded me to put a napkin in your lunch box, and you were out the door.  Jeez, Noah, we didn't even do battle over your glasses this morning.  You really were ready to get back.

Noah made up this song a couple of years ago, along with his neighborhood friends, who all go to different elementary schools in town.

Greenwood's the Good Wood,
Westside's the Best Side,
and
MONTESSORI'S THE AWESOME STORY!

It might not win a Grammy, but it is a catchy tune.

Maggie knows how to say, backpack, and I was geared up for tantrum control when the bus arrived to take away every neighborhood pal but her.  There was nothing.  She just waited in the driveway while the line of kindergartners, first- and second-graders filed on, then waved good-bye when they pulled away.  We spent the rest of the morning drawing on the driveway without having to negotiate who gets the pink chalk, swinging at the park without having to rush home because someone forgot their water bottle / granola bar / underwear, and lounging around the house with no particular plan for the day.

Happy September, friends.