Like many other mothers, I experienced the first day of school yesterday. The only difference is that my son is three and this will be his second year going to full time school AND his second year taking the bus.
I wrote about our first experience with the bus a couple of months ago when I started my blog. Oliver did not love it at first – and I can’t blame him since I share his aversion to change (and it’s not like it was a little van or anything…it was a real school bus – the same one that older kids take). The transition wasn’t easy, but within a very short period of time, he LOOOVED the bus.
In spite of this I still worried that enough time would have elapsed for him to forget about how much he loved school and how much he loved “MY BUS.” So I decided that it would be best for me to head over to daycare that day and do a little surveillance from across the street.
If you read my post regarding my first stakeout, then you will understand why I wanted to be there to offer assistance as necessary. Oliver is a big boy (about 50 lbs. now) and the sweet older ladies that take care of him are used to the little pod person he becomes when he enters their domain. He follows directions and is apparently “a delight.” They have not had to wrestle him into submission (i.e. make him put on pants in the morning) and don’t have the experience or upper body strength required for this kind of activity.
Last year, Oliver planted himself on the ground (in a puddle) and refused to get on the bus. Gordana couldn’t hoist him off the ground and the bus driver said that they wouldn’t be able to take him in his soggy condition. I had to come get him and drive him to school myself. Gordana and I agreed that the following day, I would hide nearby and be ready to manhandle him onto the bus if it came to that.
It did (come to that) and I did (manhandle him). He would have to learn that the bus was a now fact of life with no opt out feature. And he did (learn). So we conquered the bus. And within a day or two, he was the happiest little boy riding a bus EVER.
Then summer vacation came. And I worried that he might forget about his beloved bus. That he would sense another change and take butt to pavement action yet again.
So I decided to have another stakeout. Which immediately brings to mind the Richard Dryfuss/Emilio Estevez sequal. Which reminds me of how Emilio was always my favorite brat packer. I loved him in St. Elmo’s Fire. Rob Lowe was just too much of a pretty boy and Judd Nelson had those enormous nostrils that I found incredibly distracting. And I always thought Andrew McCarthy was gay. Apparently he’s not – but I never understood his appeal… Then Emilio kind of faded away into movies that I never saw, making a brief comeback in Stakeout. I remember liking it but being perplexed by that awful mustache. I mean, were they trying to make him look like Richard Dreyfuss? I don’t get it… At least it was shaved off for Another Stakeout, which I also liked (because at the end of the day, I’m an easy audience).
But no Emilio – with or without bad facial hair – for this stakeout. I was on my own. And I was prepared to leap in and save the day. Just like a superhero. Just like last time.
And when the big moment came? It was a total non-event with Oliver dutifully trotting up to the bus and climbing up the stairs without prompting. I watched in a daze as he was whisked away to his second first day of school. Then I felt a little ridiculous for wasting the gas to drive over there. It was a bit of a let down after psyching myself up for a big display of mommy power.
But I did get one thing out of my stakeout (aside from fond memories of Emilio in his prime). I got to see Oliver – my big boy – off on his first day back at school. Even if it was from afar.
I won’t be the mom who waits with the school bus this year. I won’t be the one to greet him when he returns and give him a hug and a snack. I won’t be able to ask him about his day until an hour or two later when I pick him up after work. I may eventually be able to do those things. (who knows what direction my career may take). It just won’t be this year.
But I do have that image to replay in my mind every day at the time the bus is scheduled to arrive. My Oliver – walking to the bus on his own – with his back to school haircut and his Superman backpack. I’m so proud of him.
What a sweet story. I truly enjoyed reading this. My little one starts preschool next Monday. I’m starting to get nervous how this will all play out. I hope she will be okay like your little boy. Thanks for sharing.
Good luck Michelle! I’m sure it will be fine. And even if it’s not easy the first day. It gets better. I know from experience. And I can promise you that she’ll love school!
Yey!
He’s such a big boy :) I’m glad it went well for you!
I never got the Andrew McCarthy thing either- and I always thought that Emilio was underrated.
What a big boy! It is so bittersweet watching them grow into independent little people.
See, I like Andrew. He was just so sweet looking. He would never rip your heart out. He’s the typed you could count on to stop by the store on the way home, ya know?
And I’m glad it went well. It scares me how well the little guys do sometimes.
A great story. It’s a wonderful image, him stepping onto the bus so confidently and you there waiting to help if he falters. Quite a metaphor for being a mom in general! Glad it went so well.
I’m glad Oliver had a good day. He’s a big boy now.
I love Emilio too, though not so much in the Mighty Duck movies.
What a big boy. I got all teary just reading about it
Sweet post. It gave just a little twinge in my heart because I remember my own experience with my kids.
I was more of a Rob Lowe girl but Emilio was my second favorite Brat Packer. I was laughing because you articulated everything I thought about the others :-)
Enjoyed the glimpse into Oliver’s day through your “stakeout”.
REALLY enjoyed the riff on the brat packers – very funny! Especially Judd Nelson’s distractingly large nostrils.
sorry andrew mccarthy for me, but it was a pretty in pink thing.
Back to buses, my girls adore school buses, but they have never been on one, they won’t ride one to school (I drive, bus isn’t an option). Next week my K’dger is getting a tour around the school’s neighborhood on a bus for the very first time!