Carter's First Day of Second Grade

My baby started 2nd grade this week. He was more than ready to be back in the happy confines of his school and with his friends. He was quite excited that a good buddy of his is finally in the same class. He was up early, dressed, breakfast eaten, and leaning against the couch fidgeting by 7:50 am. He walked the quarter mile as fast as his legs would take him, only bothering to pause at the corner Crossing Guard. And we were happy since it allowed the rest of us time to catch up with him.

At the newly renovated front door, a wide variety of teachers were posted; each greeted him by name. Mr. One-Track-Mind threw out cursory responses and kept motoring. He marched to his room, sat down at his desk, and was ready for business.

This is where a good mother would upload a picture of her son, sitting at his new desk, in his beloved school, all ready for 2nd grade. However, this mother wasn't that prepared. Didn't know exactly where the camera was. Forgot that maybe a picture would be a nice idea for the future. And clearly that lack of enthusiasm was shared by a son who didn't even seem to care whether the rest of his family stayed of left.

In an effort to be caring parents, Nathan leaned over to wish him well and I behind him. That would be when Nathan pivoted and stepped on my flip-flop-wearing foot. And it hurt. I mean, I was pretty sure a couple toes were broken and I was afraid to look and see if any toenails might fall off. So, I was trying really hard not to yell or cry. Nathan, so lovingly retorted, "Why do you always wear flip-flops? I step on your feet all the time." It's true. He and Will have stepped on my feet at least 10 times in the last month. I could barely hear him say this though because the pain in my foot was screaming so loudly. I hobbled outside and I tried to focus on just anything so as not to fall to the ground in a ball and cry like my 7 month old.

That would be when my friend Retta spied me. She asked "Are you okay?" And I suddenly realized that all these fine people in the elementary hallway probably thought I was having an emotional breakdown over my son's first day of 2nd grade. And for some reason, that was WORSE?! I mean, shouldn't that be better than crying because your husband has temporarily maimed you? So, not wanting her to think I was weak and sentimental about my son - who clearly was neither of those - I pushed out the explanation, "Nathan just stepped. on. my. foot." Seriously, she seemed relieved. Like maybe she thought "Oh good. I thought you were going to have a breakdown about school starting. That would be totally inappropriate for 2nd grade."

That's when we saw another friend who invited us over for a doughnut. I didn't really want a doughnut, but her house is only 1/16 of a mile from the school and that seemed like a good place to be. However, I was in such pain that I failed to realize that her house was 1/16 of a mile in the opposite direction. I hobbled to her house regardless and split a chocolate covered Magee's doughnut with Nathan. I couldn't actually speak to socialize because, again, I was pretty sure I had a broken foot and the pain was not going away. The world around me began to get fuzzy and I just wanted to get home. Nathan helped me hobble the .3125 miles home.

I landed on the couch and Will plopped on the floor in the shape of big T and asked, "When does MY school start? Next day?" I squeaked out "Next WEEK." He groaned. I groaned.

Luckily, as the day wore on, my foot became less painful and I was able to walk there in the afternoon for dismissal. Carter brought home a worksheet he'd filled out about what he expected 2nd grade would be like. I would post a picture of it - but well, I don't know where the camera is. Then I'd have to upload it, which would require me to find the cords - you get the picture. Besides, it's 2nd grade and school is old hat. But I will tell you what he wrote:

I think this year will be a good school year because I will be abel to walk home by my saf (however the school policy has changed and he won't be able to walk home by him saf).

This school year I hope to learn to driv a car.

I am excited about this school year because It is very easy.

I'm pretty sure he's not going to find learning to driv a car very easy because his feet don't even reach the pedals. So, 2nd grade might be a disappointment for him.