Ian starts kindergarten

Exactly one week ago, on August 27th, my baby boy started kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. Ian seemed to be doing pretty well leading up to the first day of Kindergarten. Afterall, he was returning to the same school, same teacher and half of the same kids(at montessori preschoolers and kindergarteners are together)--so really the only change was that he would be going all day. When asked by well meaning friends and strangers and even the principal if he was excited to start Kindergarten--he would promptly answer "no". He was especially nervous about "specials"(PE, Music and art) as well as lunch b/c those were the unfamiliar things that he did not do as a preschooler.
On the first day of school Ian didn't seem overly nervous. He got up and got dressed in a hurry. Nate and Ian headed out the door and we were optimistic that the transition would go well. Even as Nate and Ian put his things away in the locker--Ian and Nate were joking around. But as they reached the door to his room Ian refused to go in and refused to let go of Nate. It went on long enough that the Principal noticed that they were having a hard time and got down on Ian's level and tried to help. Nate could see that this was failing and finally decided that he just needed to leave. With the Principal holding Ian's shoulders Nate left with Ian crying and shouting down the hallway "daddy!"
Nate soon called me and told me what had happened and I spent most of the morning crying on and off. I just felt so bad for Ian. 3:00pm couldn't come fast enough that day. I made sure that I got there early so that I could be one of the first ones there. As I saw Ian walking down the hall with his class I could tell that he was happy and relaxed. He was happy to see me--but not in a needy way. I asked him how his day went and he said good but I'm still scared of PE because I haven't gone there yet.
The next day Ian got ready and went to school and without any hesitation he walked right into the room. When I went to pick him up the first thing he told me with a proud grin on his face was "I went to PE today mom and I have a surprise--I like it!!" He looked so happy and relieved and so was I.
Ian now has one week under his belt and now it seems to be smooth sailing. Last night before bed when Nate asked him what he is thankful for he said "I'm thankful that I like Kindergarten." That says it all!!


Other Ian updates:
Learned to ride a bike--but still very cautious on it

Spent 4 days at "cousin camp"--and loved every minute of it

Ian and Cam spend 3 days in Minnesota with Grandparents whirlwind tour of every kid worthy attraction in the Twin Cities. Ian rode his first rollercoaster!!!

Ian is enjoying soccer more--he even kicked the ball a few times in the game.