Kade’s Pre-school Preview
Originally uploaded by kyleroth.

Kade had a meet-the-teacher day at his preschool yesterday. It gave him a chance to see his classroom and meet his new friends before he starts school in the fall. He didn’t want to pose for a picture…he was ready to get in the car and go. Unfortunately, the entrance to the school is right next to the playground. Kade threw a pretty significant tantrum when he realized that he couldn’t frolic on the slide and had to go inside. Here I was, surrounded by moms, trying to calm down a screaming kid without losing my cool. Once he realized that other kids were around him, he stopped crying and reluctantly made it to the classroom. He had a great time playing, but he didn’t like the organized “sit in a circle, get in a line” parts of the morning. They are just new concepts that he has to get used to. I think he’ll do a lot better when I’m not there. I did let him play on the playground on the way out. Some of the other children joined him and I got to chat with their mamas. We all left at the same time to hopefully make the transition easier to bear, and Kade was the only one to throw yet another tantrum. I had to carry him kicking and screaming to the car. I can only imagine what those other moms were thinking. I really wish that I felt more support when I am around other moms rather than judgement. We mamas have to stick together. I don’t want advice in that moment…I just want that look of understanding…of solidarity…you know, that look that says “I fought that battle before and I know how hard it is.” Anyway, by the time we got home I was exhausted (and ready for a stiff drink). He’s ready…I know that now. He needs that interaction and time away from me. So my goal for the summer is to enjoy our time together because in a short 3 months he’s going to move on to the next stage of his life….and there’s no going back.

I also wanted to thank all of the family and friends who sent me cards of encouragment on the eve of the race. They were so uplifting and inspirational. It was the perfect preparation for the big day, and it reminded me of why I decided to do this in the first place. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey that matters. I thank you for going on that journey with me, and for making it one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.