Transitions
It started on Friday with Isabelle's last session at Playcentre. The whole family attended. The sun shone, which always makes for a good session. Isabelle seemed happy. She got presented with a card and leaving certificate at morning tea, and gave Playcentre a present (a dress-up - rabbit ears and a fluffy rabbit tail). Her friend Matthew wore it for the rest of the session. Playcentre gave Isabelle blue butterfly wings (which she also wore for the rest of the session). Isabelle and I had made a cake on Thursday, and that was eaten too.
On Saturday, we had Isabelle's parties - friends in the morning, family in the evening. A few friends came over for a party lunch. We put up decorations that Isabelle and I had made on Wednesday. We started with presents, then had pass-the-parcel. Isabelle won the pass-the-parcel, which was sort of embarrassing as I was playing the music! It was genuinely random though - I knew it was the last layer, so I turned my back and did not have any idea who was holding the package when the music stopped.
After food and a birthday cake (which we made on Friday afternoon), we had a treasure hunt. Then it was home time.
Grandma and Grandad arrived between parties. Nana Pam and Uncle Shayne arrived in time for a birthday tea. We had cake number three - an ice cream cake bought from the supermarket!
So, a good day had I think. It took a surprising amount of thought and organisation, but I think that Isabelle had a good time.
And so today, Brendon, Isabelle, Orla and I walked to school. It was a beautiful morning - mild, sunny, and so little wind that the Brooklyn turbine turned so so slowly, and later in the morning stopped altogether. Isabelle and I sang songs and skipped. When we arrived, she hung up her bag on her named hook - an already familiar ritual thanks to her three school visits. "You're finally here!" said the big sister of one of her Playcentre friends (who I found out later looked after her at lunchtime). We took Isabelle into her class. She was greeted by the teacher. I took a couple of photos. The bell rang. And it was time for us to go.
Just one more big hug, then it was out the door. I did cry a little. I knew that she would be fine though.
Meanwhile, Aidan took Grandma to Playcentre. I think it was really nice that he had something special to do today as well.
I thought of Isabelle often during the day. I wondered what she was doing, but more importantly, how she was feeling.
Orla and I walked back this afternoon to pick her up. I was early. It was a long wait. Then there she was again! She was a bit quiet, but seemed to have had a good day. I tried not to ask too many questions. We held hands all the way home. Sometimes I carried her backpack for her. It seemed like a long walk - one that we will repeat many many times.
She wasn't as tired as I thought she was going to be. But she did go to sleep very quickly! Before she went to bed, Isabelle read me a book. The words of the week are "the" and "to". Letter of the week is "br" - which of course isn't a letter, but I understand what they mean. I pointed out to her that "br" is for Brendon.
We do it all again tomorrow.
On Saturday, we had Isabelle's parties - friends in the morning, family in the evening. A few friends came over for a party lunch. We put up decorations that Isabelle and I had made on Wednesday. We started with presents, then had pass-the-parcel. Isabelle won the pass-the-parcel, which was sort of embarrassing as I was playing the music! It was genuinely random though - I knew it was the last layer, so I turned my back and did not have any idea who was holding the package when the music stopped.
After food and a birthday cake (which we made on Friday afternoon), we had a treasure hunt. Then it was home time.
Grandma and Grandad arrived between parties. Nana Pam and Uncle Shayne arrived in time for a birthday tea. We had cake number three - an ice cream cake bought from the supermarket!
So, a good day had I think. It took a surprising amount of thought and organisation, but I think that Isabelle had a good time.
And so today, Brendon, Isabelle, Orla and I walked to school. It was a beautiful morning - mild, sunny, and so little wind that the Brooklyn turbine turned so so slowly, and later in the morning stopped altogether. Isabelle and I sang songs and skipped. When we arrived, she hung up her bag on her named hook - an already familiar ritual thanks to her three school visits. "You're finally here!" said the big sister of one of her Playcentre friends (who I found out later looked after her at lunchtime). We took Isabelle into her class. She was greeted by the teacher. I took a couple of photos. The bell rang. And it was time for us to go.
Just one more big hug, then it was out the door. I did cry a little. I knew that she would be fine though.
Meanwhile, Aidan took Grandma to Playcentre. I think it was really nice that he had something special to do today as well.
I thought of Isabelle often during the day. I wondered what she was doing, but more importantly, how she was feeling.
Orla and I walked back this afternoon to pick her up. I was early. It was a long wait. Then there she was again! She was a bit quiet, but seemed to have had a good day. I tried not to ask too many questions. We held hands all the way home. Sometimes I carried her backpack for her. It seemed like a long walk - one that we will repeat many many times.
She wasn't as tired as I thought she was going to be. But she did go to sleep very quickly! Before she went to bed, Isabelle read me a book. The words of the week are "the" and "to". Letter of the week is "br" - which of course isn't a letter, but I understand what they mean. I pointed out to her that "br" is for Brendon.
We do it all again tomorrow.
Labels: Aidan, Birthday, education, Family, Isabelle, Suburban housewife
posted by Mary at 8:06 pm
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