September 1, 2008

Back To School '08

Yes, I've been back at work for a week, and yes, Ashton's primary caregivers during daytime hours last week were his Grandma and daycare providers, and yes, I've been absent from the classroom as a teacher for 3 years now. But nothing brings on the "back to school" feeling like Labor Day weekend, and we're certainly feeling it in our household tonight.

If last week was all about transitions then this week is all about routines. Last week Grandma was there to be a familiar caregiver to our son, plan and prep meals, and even organize the bathroom cupboard that I had written off as being unorganizable. This week we'll be the ones to drop off and pick up Ashton from daycare, and we'll be the ones back to the "normal" daytime schedule we were on pre-tot. To be honest it feels a little weird. I'm going to wake up in the morning, have my playtime with Ash, then bring him to school, then go to work and resume life as usual. Then I'll pick him up, we'll have dinner, and he'll likely zonk around 7:30/8:00 after a LONG day of playing and learning and observing and wondering. Wondering, after all, is hard work for a 1 year old!

My hesitation is no doubt a result of my own need to re-normalize. I have a feeling it's my husband and I who need the routine more than Ashton, though I'm sure he benefits from it as well somewhere down the line. It's back to school 2008 and my gut is telling me I'm not going to sleep much tonight. Better than had we jumped into this without last week's preparations, but still not so much. Grandma, if you're reading, any chance you can swing by around 8:30 tomorrow to hang with Ash and bring him to daycare???

The boy, in all his cuteness...




9 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is nothing is this world I would rather do than hang with my grandson! Can't wait to hear how everything goes, I had a rather sleepless night myself! Grandma C

los cazadores said...

That shadow is such a great pic! Classic!

Cindy

Anonymous said...

Cute pics jo! Hope everything went well for you "back to school and work" today! Thinking about you!

Annie said...

Again, GREAT photos :)

Hope the week is going well for you. Aren't Grandmas just THE BEST??

Ms. Fricknfrack said...

Cuteness indeed! Recently found your blog and wanted to say hey and that I really like what you have to say. We brought our son home from ET just a little over a month prior to you. We completely feel like we hit the jackpot, too.

Oh and my husband is from MN and a Viking fan of course. I on the other hand was born and raised in Green Bay. Our wedding was planned around a Viking/Packer game. Oy.

Stephanie
http://mubarek.wordpress.com/

Amanda said...

Wonderful photographs, as always. And, yeah-I think routine is more for the adults than the small ones. Though, adults like to think it helps the kids! :-D

And, you're probably right about who the kids are....
they're beautiful, eh?!
I'm in love. I know what people meant when they said they fell in love with their kids.

We're hoping they'll be home by mid December (or, mid November?!?!)

:)

Dan, Misty & Ashar said...

Okay - so maybe this is an obvious question, and maybe you've answered it in some other post long ago and far away..but what exactly do you do? Are you a teacher? I was thinking you did some kind of consulting? Not that I really need to know, I just feel like I know you so I should probably know what you do. That's all! Best of luck with the new routine!

Mom to many said...

Hooray for Grandma's - wish I had a close one... Routine is always both good and bad for me... as I am sure you will find as well. Good luck with the transition.

filoli said...

I love the pictures...fantastic...