I’m guest posting at klz’s place today, on account of her husband has meningitis and I know her pain. Please head on over.
Archives for September 2010
Little Potato Digger
Waldorf Mommy: Counting Down and Falling Down
It’s two days until Nora starts school. I’m off work this week, pretending to be a stay at home mom. I like it, obviously.
I wanted Nora to have some transition time between schools. The idea of sending her to preschool one day and kindergarten the next seemed callous.
So we’ve been running errands, collecting the last few items on her supply list. Yesterday we went to a kid/parent yoga class, where she got knocked down twice by rambunctious seven-year-old boys without shirts. It was good practice in getting back up. She was clearly impressed with their boisterousness and even took her shirt off to match. (No, I didn’t stop her, it was hot and she’s three.) We’re also building a raised bed for the garden and picking out a paint color for the bathroom.
We’re sewing some wild oats as well. Since nail polish and temporary tattoos are verboten at Waldorf school, she has her finger and toenails painted, and sports a horse and a cow tattoo on her belly and a unicorn on her forearm. Wednesday night we will cermoniously remove them at bathtime.
We plan to spend the next two days doing fun things, but in the back of my mind, there’s a desire to keep her from harm long enough to get through the first day of school without illness or injury. She’s getting over a cold; her nose needs to stop running so she doesn’t get sent home on Thursday, and I need to make sure she doesn’t break any little bones. This is causing a few inhibitions when it comes to selecting activities. Swimming? What if she slips on wet floor and goes to school with a big bruise on her forehead? Preschool carnival rides at Oaks Park? What if she picks up a new virus or gets hurt on a ride?
I’m not normally like this, but something about a big milestone makes me cautious. I don’t want to blow it for her. But, of course, I don’t want her few days at home filled with banal trips to the grocery store and home depot.
Nora needs to practice getting up when bigger kids knock her down, and I need to practice letting her fall.
A Thank You Note
Dear Ian & Moriah,
Nora has been in your care for over a year now. This means, for many, many months, we have not had a moment’s worry about the her well being during the day.
Thank you for that gift.
As parents, there is nothing more crucial than knowing our child is happy and healthy when she is away from us.
Thank you for being enthusiastic, nurturing, calm, engaged, just, patient and kind. You are honoring little lives every day.
With affection and gratitude,
The Campbells
P.S. Check your mailboxes for registration materials to enroll in Waldorf teacher training.
Waiting for Daddy
Waldorf Mommy: Parent Orientation Night
Quick impressions from parent orientation night at Waldorf school:
- I love people who love singing as much as I do. I think Ben was a bit taken aback that I knew the words to “A Gift to be Simple.”
- Wow, I don’t think I’ve been in a room with that many flowy skirts since…the last time I was at a Waldorf event.
- Waldorf folks take warmth very seriously. We got a ten minute lecture on the importance of layering.
- More yummy, healthy food, but no serving utensils and no water. Must get on a committee to fix that.
- I may be the most “type A” Waldorf parent I’ve met so far. I swooped the after care enrollment packets and had my check ready before the end of the presentation. Must try not to be seen as an over eager pain in the ass.
- Nora’s new teacher needs to buy the house across the street from me. She said she’s looking!
- My husband will do all kinds of things that scare the crap out of him (like speak in front of people) if he thinks it would benefit his daughter in any way. Love, love, love him.
- All these parents are here because they want happy, well adjusted kids. That rules.
- I am not used to staying up past 8:00pm. Did not realize the strip clubs on the way home are lit up like that at night.