Frank's a Kindergartener

Well, it's happened. Frank has gone off to kindergarten. Can you believe that? We got ready a few weeks ago by making his kindergarten chain to count down the days until his first day of school.

As you can see, this mama's lost some of her mojo, 'cause I didn't get around to helping him with his chain as early as I did with his sister. Let's just hope Walter even gets one.

I could write about all the swirl of emotions I felt as I walked Frank out to the bus stop. I will focus on just one, though: pride. I was so proud of Frank for living up to all my hopes for his maturity and readiness for kindergarten. He outscored all the screening tests, adjusted well to his Montessori preschool this summer, and walked onto the bus like it was nothing.

And then there was Bel. She was such a supportive, loving older sister that I about burst the ruffles on my work shirt I was so proud. Andrew told me that he had overheard a conversation between Bel and Frank where she said, "Frank, I remember when you were just getting teeth and learning how to say my name, and now look at you - going off to school!"

I was so proud to see how she expressed her support and excitement for Frank. She held his hand at the bus stop. She didn't do it in a "Oh, aren't you scared?!" kind of way, though. It was a "Aren't you excited? I am!" sort of way.


When the bus arrived, they continued to hold hands as they ran to the door. They kept holding hands, which became kind of funny at this point, because they had to squeeze through the door and up the stairs side-by-side. They made it, though, and continued to hold hands as they worked their way into the aisle. As the door shut, I saw the two of them sitting together in the front seat, still holding hands. Wow, I loved that.