1st day of the new school year

This year Kellan leaves the Small Pigs class and goes to the Lion class. There are many changes for him, and lots more responsibilities. We won't be going into the school to help him put away his towel and clothes anymore, instead we put everything he needs into his new backpack and he'll put them away himself as part of his morning duties. According to his teachers, he keeps wanting to go into the Small Pigs classroom and they've had some trouble convincing him to trudge upstairs to his new class. About the only way they can avoid a meltdown is to remind him that his new backpack is up there. He LOVES it. He wears it around at home, is constantly pointing to it and then pointing to Jolon's. He even walked home most of the way yesterday wearing it, long after Jolon had thrown his onto the stroller. Oh and now he can't wear his diaper to school. So we are being forced to be a bit stricter with toilet training at home too. I wasn't too happy about having to begin doing that at home, since every time we try, it seems to backfire. But yesterday at the park, he heard Jolon ask to go to the toilet and sure enough 15 minutes he told me he needed to go and then did. 20 minutes after that, he told me again and went again. Even after we got home, he told us he had to go during dinner and did. So, perhaps this is a good chance for me to train him before the baby comes.


Jolon graduated from the Spring Wind class to the Blue Sky class. His week has gone well and with his new responsibilities come lots of fun activities. Already this week, they've gone for a long walk to a new park (Pirate Park!) and last night we cut his nails, packed his apron and bandana, all ready for baking cookies today. He's told his teachers that his "ganbaru koto" personal goal is to listen better during the morning meeting and not play around so much while the teachers are explaining things. His teacher wrote that although things (especially langugage) will become more difficult this year, it will only serve to make his mind and spirit stronger. Good luck Jolon!!