The Johnson Family: Meet the Teacher

Like many moms, I anticipate moments like "Meet the Teacher" and try to plan ahead to make sure they go smoothly and are memorable for the kids.

Today was no different. I got up, made breakfast, did a few chores, picked out outfits fit for a first impression, gave all three kids baths, made lunch and headed out the door to meet Ben's kindergarten teacher and Owen's 2nd grade teacher.

Danny had a meeting, so he was only able to go for about 10 mins, which made it hard to really embrace the moment with each boy. In the past we have had a sitter stay with Audrey and Ben, so it was all about Owen at these events.

We started off good. Everyone was excited and running ahead!

He even said, "this is going to take so long if you keep taking pictures." Ahem, well then.

After the boys argued in the car about which class we were going to first, they both agreed Ben could go first.

He found his seat...

Met his teacher...

and began decorating his name tag while I was talking with his assistant teacher about him being sensitive to loud noises , rough play, meeting new kids, etc.... and how he is a textbook introvert and may just need some time to himself (especially in the beginning.)

and then there were tears....

Owen was trying to help, we think, and he drew a "potion bottle" on Ben's sign. While it was sweet, this is something that always bothers Ben.

His teacher gave us another foam square and we started over....

The boys reconciled and played together for a minute....

Ben's tag looks just fine...

He's currently ready to make good choices (lets hope that continues)!

and while I left with many unanswered questions, some concerns and not the fuzziest feeling, I am hoping tomorrow my Sweet Ben has a great first day of Kindergarten!

We headed over to the 2nd grade pod to look for Owen's class, and once again he is not in the grade level pod...he's in a mixed overflow pod like he was last year.

He is lucky to have 2 kids in his class that he has gone through kindergarten and first grade with. His best buddy, Nick and a sweet and fun girl named Abbie. He has really bonded with them both the past two years and I love both of their parents!

His Teacher let them pick their own seats, so obviously he wrote his name on a sticky note and put it across from Nick.

Just before this....I was talking with his teacher when Ben come over and buried his head in my legs crying again. I guess Owen had hit him with a pencil. I looked for Owen and he was gone. the kid was out in the hall. Really? I had a handful of papers I needed to look through and fill out and I'm dealing with a crying boy, one that had disappeared and a 3 year old who has pulled apart 3 pads of sticky notes.

I gave Owen the look, grounded him for 2 weeks and told him we weren't going to the pool with Nick when we were finished (which was really punishment for us all!).

then I made him take a picture with his teacher. Heartfelt and full of excitement I tell ya. ERRRR!