Malachi's first day of school was Tuesday. He was so excited/nervous that he had a hard time falling asleep the night before. He also wouldn't eat breakfast. He talked my ear off for the 30-40 min. drive into Tampa and waiting in line. He was ready to get out and get into the classroom. We put his stuff away, found his seat again, and I tried to get him to sit down and color like the other kids. I had been in the room for about 10 min. Then, when he realized I was leaving, he began to cry. That made me cry. I was ok until then. I kept trying to leave, but the teacher was busy with other students. Finally, after about 20 min. in the room, his teacher had a moment to grab him. He was the only kid screaming and crying that Mom was leaving :(

It also rained all day on the first day, so he couldn't go out and play at school or in the sports after school program we put him in.

2nd day went great! He yelled bye to me when I dropped him off and willingly went to work at this desk.

3rd day went well, also. He got to get all sweaty in after school!!! Love it. He's been on "green" every day, which is the best you can get. He did, however, tell me on the way home that the girls who sit across from him told him he "wasn't smart." Then, he said, "I know I'm smart, Mommy." I'm glad he understands a little bit better. In VPK, he continually got comments like that from other classmates and was hit often. He didn't usually tell us. We didn't realize it was a big problem and really bothering him until he suddenly became violent towards others. Malachi has never been that aggressive towards anyone until that point. I think I will talk to his teacher in the morning, just to give her a head's up. Malachi didn't seem too upset, but I'm really surprised that children would say that on the 3rd day of school. That is usually an indication of things to come. Malachi is truly smart and belongs in K. I know, though, that he hasn't said a whole lot because he's still nervous and getting used to so many new people. It takes him a little while.

just arrived at school, standing next to his new Lightning McQueen bookbag

dressed in his uniform, about to leave the house with Mommy

sitting at his desk for the first time...a meltdown in about to happen :(

Malachi's Going to SCHOOL!!!

On Tuesday, Malachi will start kindergarten. Last night he met his teacher. In total shy style, he didn't say a word to her, nor would he look at things or walk around the classroom. When he got up this morning, he asked if he could go to school. It's Saturday!!! I'm glad he's excited, but, seriously, kid.

His school has classrooms that have an opening between 2 rooms with bathrooms in between. It's a little weird, but I'm finding that is par for the course in this area of Florida. There are tons of books, stuff to do, and a jam-packed schedule. It looks like there are 18 kids, total, in his class.

His teacher seems very nice. She is 8 months pregnant, but the substitute was there at open house, too. I thought that was nice. I just hope that Malachi still likes being there by the end of next week :)

He has to be in the after school program at the school for about 2 and half hours until I get out of work. We had him transferred in the county that I teach in so we would have the same schedule. The county that we live in has a crazy-screwy schedule that would leave little time off together, so we opted for the easy schedule. Now I get to share my 30 min. car ride with a chatty 5 year old instead of being by myself. I think it will be nice....I hope.

We're all looking forward to Tuesday :) Malachi is ready...am I?

Z-miles (Z's similes)

Lately, Ezekiel has been using a lot of similes. We determined today that he gets it from his daddy, but he comes up with some crazy ones. It is a simile because he is always using the word like and making a comparison.

For example...

• I don't like this blueberry muffin. It tastes like strawberries.
• It smells like a poot.
• Toodles can't talk. He's like a dog. Kiev can't talk.

They don't always make sense, but it is very smart of him to make the connections that he does.


Z-isms

• "I smell." - I smell something
• "Army" - Barney - he did correct it with some coaxing
• "Jeff" - giraffe
• "effant" - elephant
  

Look what I've done Lately!

The walls were white to begin with. It's still not done, yet, but I hope to get somewhat finished by next week, since it is my last week off before school starts.

This is our nursery at Z-hills FA. It needed some definite upgrades. Nursery is called tiny town.


It's been a long process, but I'm really proud of what I have accomplished. I've had a little help along the way, but most of it was all me. Super-excited to see the "finished" product.

Car Conversation with Daddy & his Boys

Malachi: "I was the first baby. That's why I was 4, now I'm 5."
Ezekiel: "I the second baby."
Daddy: "Who's going to be the third baby?"
Malachi: "I don't know. Mommy has to get fat for that."

How sad :)