:: First Day of School:: #Non-Traditional

The first day of school happened.

I was a complete and total mess. I never know how emotions will catch me, and this first day of school was brutal. 

But, guess what? We survived. And, my kids are now in full school mode. You know driving a new set of teacher semi-crazy, I really wish I could say my kids were perfect angels, but I don't lie. I am sure they are good kids but perfect, nah.

Santiago and Camila are social kids, I am sure that can't be good for any teacher to hear but I know they both have great and VERY patient teachers. My Husband and I are working hard to keep on track with everything they need and support the teaching staff as much as possible.

They are quickly gaining new friendships and creating new memories. I knew that this school year would not be easy. I would hope that my kids could just work hard and stay focused, but we did know where the struggles would be and come. The year is young, and hopefully we can remain and regain focus. 

We have joined the PTO, school committees and parent nights. Yes, we are those parents. We truly vow to stay connected and be as active as possible in our children's education. Not just for our own peace of mind but I am sure it will be helpful in big ways to our kids. To their, well-being and their growth and education. Plus, we will be better connected to what they do, OR don't do! Santiago is catching on that his teacher sends me notes in his backpack everyday. I have an eye on him at all times.

To a successful school year to all the young, and not so young entering a new school year. May it be filled with good and positive life experiences as well as mental and educational value. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. May you maintain perfect attendance and stay far away from trouble.

{Writing on the Walls}

It was a quiet Saturday morning and Santiago says, "Mami, Ca'm here." 

I follow his tiny giant steps to a place in the low-lit hallway outside his room. 

He says, "You see this?" as he traces the writing on the wall. His little chubby fingers traced a green marking on the wall which he had put there some time ago. 

I said, "Yes, I see it, who put it there?" and then as he stares at me with a smile and his bright morning eyes he said...

 "me, I did." No shame. Just pure pride and happiness for his artwork on the wall.

The truth is those markings and that writing on the walls are pretty much all over our home. At a height that only toddlers can reach. It doesn't bother me. I don't try to Clorox wipe the walls free of the marker, pen, and long lasting memories. I treat then as a part of our home. A part of this stage in our lives as parents to a 3 1/2-year-old and a 2-year-old. A part of their life at this stage; as active, creative and developing tiny human beings. 

One day my kids will no longer be interested in writing on the wall and I will have forgotten what it was like to yell at them for coloring the walls, doors, tables, and baseboards. They will have forgotten what it was like to be a child, to be carefree and to be young. 

They will be immersed in this life and it's everyday struggles. They will no longer be toddlers and probably wish they were, as they too discover that life can be amazing but definitely a challenge.  

I think about myself as a 32-year-old and wonder, did my parents ever imagine that I would one day have a child of my own {or Dos for that matter}? Did they care that I wrote on the wall? And, do they miss it as much as I already do? They say it happens in the blink of an eye from 3-year-old child to a 30-something-year-old parent. 

For now, I don't want to forget. I want to embrace. The little things, like the writing on the walls...because one day... they will be gone and I will miss them.