Back to School

Last Tuesday marked Mr. C's first day in his new classroom at school. It's a bit misleading as his school runs a year-round program, so they really only close for a week for inservice and then start back up. But it's a new classroom (right next door), new teachers, and some new friends.

Of course, one has to have some New Things to really get in the spirit.

"Backback."

Yes. So proud. Maybe a little TOO in to Backback, as it is now either with us or being discussed almost all the time. 

This is not entirely convenient as it is essentially too small to really hold anything useful. I tried to gently guide him to the next size up, but...was not successful. 

Taggies and mah sippy cup. I'm all set.

Bye mom.

The first day of school went really well--he cruised right in like he owned the place. There were a few more tears on the second day, which is typical and for which I was prepared, but so far it has been no big deal. Except that the entire process now takes us at least twice as long, as someone insists on putting on and wearing Backback:

• from the house to the car (20 feet)
• from the car to the classroom (50 feet)
• from the classroom to the car
• from the car to the house

In fact, now that I mention it, I'd say that's a definite new theme now that we are solidly in to Toddlerhood. The corollary of "Do It Myself" is that "Everything Will Now Take You For-frickin' -ever." Never, ever, ever be in a hurry with a toddler. Build in like an extra hour for all the tasks, independence, opinions, and things you MUST stop to look at. If you can accommodate it, it's actually great and sweet and so full of wonder. But wow.