I walked Isabelle into her Kindergarten classroom on the first and second days of school. By day three, I stopped down the hall from her classroom and let her walk the rest of the way on her own. She allowed me to do that on the condition I would check on her a few minutes later. I did. She was beyond fine. She unpacked her snack and had already asked her teacher where to put her Home/School Folder.
This morning, which is her fourth day of Kindergarten, I kissed her goodbye in front of the office while she navigated her own way in the hallways to her classroom. Just as I suspected, she was unpacking herself when I arrived a few minutes later.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll say good-bye from the front door of the school. If she wants me to check on her, then I will.
By Wednesday morning I intend to drop her off in front of the school building so she may walk to her classroom on her own. I am not planning to check on her that day. Friday will be the sixth day of school; it’s my hope she’ll understand she can walk to class on her own.
Just as I’ve been gradually releasing responsibility to Isabelle for getting herself to class, I’ve been gradually getting ready to give birth. (My due date is less than a month away!) Last Friday, I itemized my business expenses for the year so I won’t have to work on them this winter with a newborn who may or may not be a good napper. As of this morning, I’ve wrapped all of the “big sister” presents Tammy Mulligan suggested I get Isabelle. Tomorrow, I’ll begin putting the items I’ve laid out into my suitcase so I’m ready to go to the hospital. On Wednesday, I’ll exchange the original outfit I bought for my son’s Bris — since I’ve decided I don’t like it — for something I like more. With the exception of a work-day I have scheduled with my dear friend and colleague, Lynne Dorfman, this-coming Friday, I’m pretty much finished with work until the new year. I’ve written and scheduled all of my Two Writing Teachers blog posts. The final one for 2016 will go live on Labor Day (pun intended), which is a week from today.
Bit-by-bit and day-by-day I’m getting there. I’m beyond uncomfortable, but I know discomfort is part of the final weeks of pregnancy! (Apparently my son is cramped up in my belly. I had an ultrasound this morning, which showed him balled-up with his hand sandwiched between his knee and cheek.) I know he’ll come when he’s ready, but let’s be honest, I’m ready to meet this little man!
Raising Literate Humans 
Stacey – Let me know if the presents come in handy. Those presents helped my daughter resist having a giant temper tantrum when a guest arrived with a present for the baby. She is almost 20 now and completely understands that all presents are not for her 🙂
Can’t wait to see pictures of the new addition to you family.
Will do, Tammy!
I’m impressed with your list of accomplishments! What an exciting time for you and your family!! Wishing you all the best…
Oh–I meant to mention that we had our older children choose a gift to give the baby. This was such fun! They were very invested in choosing the perfect gift and so excited to share it with the baby. It was really touching.
Another friend told me to do that too. Back in June, Isabelle and I were in a cute kids’ boutique where she picked out an adorable little teddy bear for the baby. It’s wrapped and ready to go so she can give it to him. (And a big sister shirt, from him to her, is en route to me. I just ordered it from Etsy over the weekend.)
I love hearing about Isabelle and how her independence grows each day. I can’t wait to hear about this little man of yours. I am so incredibly happy for you, my friend! Sending love and hugs to you!
Thanks, Michelle!
I can’t believe she is already in kindergarten! Holy cow- where does time go? I love the idea of big sister presents. I know they will make the transition easier.
Gretchen Rubin’s quote is one I like to invoke often: “The days are long, but the years are short.”
All set for lovely, new chaos 🙂
I didn’t sleep well last night. I took Isabelle to school in exercise clothes, glasses, and a hat. I have a feeling that will be my go-to uniform (GASP!) for a while after the baby is born.
Fun to come
All kinds of beginnings happening in your family! And yet your post seems so calm and unruffled. Your big sister gifts reminded me of the backpack I put together for my oldest. It waited alongside my hospital bag; she never peeked into it until the morning I went into labor. Wishing you continued peace and calm as you head into baby-mothering again!
For the most part, I’m pretty calm about this. I mean, I cannot control when this child is going to arrive so I’m trying not to get too bent out of shape about that. (I’m pretty Type A so not having a concrete date is tough for me.)
You are so organized! I love that you have a plan to ease Isabelle into making the transition to her class on her own (there are parents I know who could benefit from this letting go). I know that part of the reason for your organization is your knowledge of what life can be like with a new baby- best to control what you can while you can. I hope you will still find time to slice!
This morning she walked from the front door of the school up to her classroom. She was TOTALLY fine when I checked in on her. I’m hoping another day or two of check-ins will make her say “Mommy, stop walking me.” I think she’s got this!
Enjoy these last weeks despite the discomfort, new days are on their way! I’m glad you are ready, and that Isabelle is having a great start to her year, Stacey.
Your wrote so beautifully of your gradual release of Isabelle. You have given her the support and confidence she needs to be courageous and independent. I can hardly wait to hear tales of the little man. And what Isabelle has to say about him.
A great post about the transitions you have coming. I can’t believe all that you have worked on to be ready for that little son of yours. Your daughter will feel loved and ready for her new brother. Looking forward to hearing more about the journey.
Hurrah for gradual release! I left my baby girl at college this weekend. There are phone calls and she sounds tired, but she’s there. Sniff! So interesting for me to pop in on your posts with your girl and remember mine.
Stacey, How exciting for you. Three weeks ago I welcomed my first grandson into the world and I lived your world of anxious and expectant waiting with my daughter. Thinking of you as you wait!
Isabelle is growing up and becoming an independent young lady. How wonderful for all of you. My niece is expecting her second child within a month and I know she is going through the same preparations as you. Wishing you well.
So much is changing for you, Stacey. It’s a really exciting time. I love that Isabelle is adjusting so easily to kindergarten – that’s great news.
Not too much longer now, friend. Hang in there.
Good job on having such an independent little kindergartener. I cant help wondering if you put something yummy in her lunch box if she will have unwrapped it before she makes it to the classroom door. I see kids at our school do this and mine did it too. Gotta love a good list too, at least it all looks organised on paper. So excited for you Stacey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the gradual steps you and Isabelle are taking to these new events. We’ll look forward to some posts (eventually) and pics too! Enjoy (if that is possible) this last bit of your pregnancy!
Wow! I have been away from slicing much longer than I thought because I did not even know you were expecting! Congratulations! I remember walking my baby into kindergarten…he is now 20! Where did the time go?
So much joy! Seeing Isabelle becoming more and more confident and independent, anticipating your little man’s arrival- all the best wishes to you and your family!