first time to school as a parent volunteer

I've been looking forward to today as a Parenting First. And was even more anxious when a grinning Aidan said this yesterday on the ride home from school: "I'm so excited you get to come to my class with me tomorrow." He and Savannah then spilled the beans about a boy who was not so excited when his mom came to class. In fact, "he put his head down and wouldn't even talk to her." I hadn't thought of that possibility, so A's evident disapproval of that friend's mother-angst made me happy.  My boy isn't embarrassed of his mother.

But worry did wrinkle Aidan's brow when I walked downstairs this morning mid-hairstyling with a cascading topknot of not-yet-flat-ironed hair.

"Please don't be silly at school today, Mom."

"I'm not done fixing my hair yet, A."

 "I know. But just don't be silly."

{with more than a hint of mother-angst}

Because Kindergarten is a serious affair.

To this guy.

I'm happy to report that I had no urges to silliness during class time.  But I also must confess that beaming at my boy was a far more difficult urge to curb.  When they filed back to the desks after recess, our eyes connected and I automatically blew him a kiss...because, well,  that's what we do.  His quick head turn, however, made me curse the unplanned gesture, worrying that I had forever doomed our public relationship.  But as quickly as I doubted, his head turned back my way.  And his love outpaced his angst...evidenced by mouth corners failing to suppress an erupting smile.  A quick and secret smile.  And his eyes sparkled momentarily with the same secret.  We're connected.  Even in this room brim-full of teacher, aid and 29 peers, I am his.

And he is Mine.

Comments

[Kay]

Beautiful.

[Kelly]

This was sweet. I'm glad it was a good experience for both of you!

[Neighbor Jane Payne]

Oh gee. This is poetic. You have a way of capturing words as well as expression.

[Leilani]

Isn't it fun when they still love you - even in public. I love going in to help, and that they want me to be there, for now at least, and I loved when one of Rachel's classmates from last year saw me crossing the campus and said, " Hi Mrs. Rachel!"

[Mandy]

Such a cute story and I love that picture of him!

[Shanon]

That is so funny that he didn't want you to make him look bad at school!

[Aprilyn]

That little cowboy is so cute. I love this post. You guys are connected and it's beautiful.

[Mandi]

Super sweet. I loved going in there too, but could never write something so eloquent as this, thank you.

[Megan]

So cute, and by the way, you are so so so cool. I love that picture of A.

[Marie]

I volunteered at Carter's school yesterday. I called him 'sweetheart' once when I was talking to him and quickly had a moment of panic like yours. It didn't even phase him though, so I guess I am still allowed to publically use pet names.

[Annalisa]

It's such a transition going from the home relationship to the with their friends at school and you observing relationship. Sometimes Alexis is too shy to acknowledge me. I'm glad you survived that first hump :). And I'm glad you're volunteering at school! I love it. It gives such an insight into what they are experiencing.

[michelle]

Beautifully poetic, Amy. I love this post, so tender.

[Jill]

This post is so sweet. I can't believe there's a kindergartener that's already embarrassed to have his mother at school, what's up with that? I haven't witness any such embarrassment with Whitney yet, Landon keeps his emotions on the down-low, but still likes it when I'm there.