Birthday Wishes

One of my favorite kids- Elsa- had her birthday party today up at the Paul Green School of Rock. Her parents are fantastic and organized- in conjunction with a friends also celebrating their daughters' birthdays- a costume dance party. Forget the kiddie music -- put on Abba, Violent Femmes, and Prince. Hang a disco ball and have some random hipsters dancing on stage and the scene is set.

Best part- I got to spend time with Elsa. She and I have a wonderfully special relationship. I'm her favorite teacher, and she's an all-time favorite kid. She sat on me and told me to start listening. I pretended trying to get up. She'd tackle me down.

She melted into my lap as soon as I got there.
My heart melted all over her.

Elsa, hanging on my leg, of course.

Aching Heart

I'm writing an article on becoming a mother to a former charge. It reminds me how much I needed Madeline in my life, and, also, how much I miss my current kids.

I'm working sparse hours because of school as of late. Instead of having my normal class of 14 two-three year olds, I'm rotated around the school. I get great fulfillment from my job, regardless of whose class I'm in, but my kids, the kids I had everyday from April through mid September, are irreplaceable.

And they miss me too.

I was in the 'horse' classroom today, and the kids tackle me. Josie will cry if I leave for just a minute. Kids panic that I won't come back. They feel abandoned. And I feel guilty. I got to fall asleep with Elsa today at nap time. I'm her favorite teacher -all ego aside. I get to go to her birthday party this weekend which I 'm pumped for. But missing out on the day to day is starting to wear on me. The hugs, smiles, new words, art projects; the utter joy each child exudes is contagious. As I walk through the school door, my baggage falls off my back and nothing matters more than what we'll have for snack, or if Jude will sit on the potty today.

I miss my kids terribly, but am I entitled to feel this way?

Optical Occasion

Josie's mom, an optometrist, came to my class today to discuss the eye. She brought in extra pairs of adult glasses for each of the kids -- which they loved.

Mabel, wearing her glasses, and also the daughter of a mom-doctor, comes to me saying: "Hello. I am Dr. Mabel. Now what can I help you with today."

On another note, Josie's parents brought in cupcakes for her upcoming birthday. Her mother was going to collect and throw out the cupcake wrappers. I told her that the kids could clean up after themselves, in which she sincerely responded with, "They can?!"

Josie

I have a pet bunny, LaBrown.

Josie sits on my lap while playing outside at work and, completely unprompted, asks: Is LaBrown doing well? Is she still peeing on the couch?

Lovely, refreshing sincerity.

Growing Pains

I am in my first real workplace ethical debacle.

A co-worker is violent with our kids. She makes the day miserable, stressful, and rather unbearable for the other teachers and children. A family left the school today because of her behavior, but called me before making a final decision. Was it ethical to accept the personal phone call about professional issues? My boss is extremely concerned, but doesn't feel ready to fire my coworker. She wants me to "blow the whistle" immediately after/during the next incident. Do I get this girl fired? She trusts me.

I'm struggling with where my loyalties should lie, the family? My boss? My coworker?

Friday Night!

Cassidy is very 'up' on the fashion scene. She took her friend Rachel to the GenArt Fashion Week launch party, and then to the show. Perks of living so close to L.A.: tres chic affaires.

(Style lent by Mary Kate Olsen)

Observation Deck

Today the school I work at took a family field trip to Longwood Gardens. The teachers got to go along, and didn’t I find it interesting how parents interact with their children (outside of the fifteen minutes I get to see at drop off and pick up). Parents couldn't get their kids attention, insisted on holding hands if out of the stroller, and best, started complaining how they would never get their kids down for a nap!

I, however, called 'Ladies!' just once, and four of my children turned around. Nap? No problem. Stop going into your child's room! Stop answering his/her every call! And please, whatever you do, forget the milk bottle. At three your child should be consuming more than enough calories and balanced meals that he/she does not need milk six times a day, let alone from a bottle.

Overall the trip was entertaining, mostly due to the wild goose chases between adult and child.