We're doing it -- we're making the transition to school. It's amazing to me how Mali seems to have grown up suddenly in one single day!! She loves Kindergarten, and is also honest about how much she misses us. She was happy to go back today for her second day. Yesterday, the drop off seemed hectic, and the classroom chaotic, but Mali was still happy and secure. Mark and I both cried, but Mali was smiling. Today the room felt much more relaxed. Mark and I are both looking forward to the experience of being parents of a school kid. Thanks to my own experience as a kid, we sing the song my mom wrote and sang to us each day. It's heart-warming to hear my own child singing it, and I also miss my siblings' harmony. It goes like this:
Be good, be kind, be careful, learn lots and have fun.
Be good, be kind, be careful, learn lots and have fun.
And always remember that I am loving you.
Always remember that I love you too. (Mali loves having a line to sing on her own)
Be good, be kind, be careful, learn lots and have fun.
We also have started a ritual inspired by Becky Bailey's "I Love you Rituals." Mark and I each give her a kiss in the palm of her hand and use each finger to tell her something we especially love about her that day. As we say each one, we wrap the finger over her palm until she has a strong fist. Today, we did it on our walk to school, and afterwards she raised both her fists in the air and danced before she pressed her palms onto her cheeks.
6 comments:
I'm so glad to hear that Mali's first day was a success (not surprised!). Give yourself a good dose of credit for how much she enjoyed it and soaked in this new environment with eagerness and confidence.
okay, i am crying at your description of mali dancing with fists.
way to go.
I am (weeping) reading your deep and loving words -- looking at those beautiful, beautiful girls -- and listening to NPR about war.
I am so confused.
Thanks for these pictures! Our day is tommorow.
Jen CD
Katie, is there any way you could record and post that song? I'd love to hear it!! (I wish I could remember hearing you all sing it, too).
Such beautiful rituals, both the singing and the kiss on the hand. She is well prepared for this new adventure.
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