Back to School 2012

It finally arrived. I had waited weeks for it to come…always feeling torn…wanting our lives to have more structure but knowing I’d miss the help and the laziness of sometimes staying in our pajamas all day (or at least until practice). First I had to get Nico out the door. It didn’t help that Gia woke up at 4 am raring to go. I was not raring to go. I wanted sleep. My mind was racing with worry for the kids’ first day. Nico starting high school, the twins back together in class. All day with Gia. Five minutes before Nico was getting picked up, he asked me to help him look at the map and make a route of how he was going to go. Five minutes isn’t enough time to do that. He ended up saying, “Forget it. I’ll figure it out.” He forgot his notebook but remembered his enzymes so in a sense…we made progress there.

Nico, thrilled to be getting his picture taken.

Next were Tommy and Belle. Tommy’s clothes were put out the night before. Belle was still undecided. Belle wanted her hair straightened (I really do not like doing that. There are always tears and eye rolling). Gia went downstairs with Tommy while he did his treatment. I helped Belle figure out her outfit. Now let me tell you, this was immensely frustrating because of this:Belle ( holding up two skirts): Which skirt should I wear?

Me: The bright one with the peace shirt is cute.

Belle: Really? I like the black skirt with the peace shirt.

Me: That’s a little plain.

Belle: I really like the black skirt.

Me: Fine. Wear that one.

Belle: It doesn’t have shorts under. Should I wear some?

Me: If you think you need some, yes.

She was gone for ten minutes and then came back while I was making lunches.

Belle: These shorts are too small. They hurt me.

Me: Then don’t wear them.

Belle: Well, should I not wear the black skirt?

Me: The bright one is a skort. Wear that one.

Belle: I don’t want to. I want to wear this one.

Me: Why do you ask me my opinion if you already know which one you are going to wear? (Because she is a girl.)

Tommy with his second outfit on his way to “rule the school” in 5th grade.

Belle, really excited to be a 5th grader this year.

Someone had to get in on the action.

She decided to wear the black skirt without shorts under them (taking a big risk). Meanwhile, Tommy came up the stairs upset because Gia had pooped and was sitting on his lap so now his shirt smelled like her poop. A change of clothes for him and an argument on what matches and what doesn’t ensued. Leo surprised the kids by going to the back to school party we go to every year. Thanks to KJ for watching Gia so I could get the twins to school with a lot less drama. All three kids came home happy. Nico survived his first day of high school and said he didn’t get lost so thank God for answered prayers. Tommy and Belle survived class together and even helped each other with their work. Gia…well…Gia and I began what I know is going to be the ultimate in bonding experiences. I know it goes fast so I plan to treasure each moment (plus, she is signed up for a 45 minute dance class and I think I am going to do a “Mom’s Day Out” once a week).

Already them being in the same class is making life easier!

The days’ activities proved to be too much for her. She didn’t even make it out of the driveway. Maybe it was the 4am wake-up call.

 How was your back to school day? Were you sad or did you do a little jig?

P.S. When we got to the party, Belle looked at me in horror and said, “I forgot I need the shorts for gym! Should have listened to me and worn the bright colored skort.

Linking up with Adrienne at Mommy Mess for the #BTSBash:

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