Back To School Night Hang Over
Vijay and I attended back to school night last night. The time slot for kindergarten and first grade were both scheduled for the same time. So, we squeezed two presentations into one by dividing them in half, missing the end of one and the beginning of the other. We learned what it means to be a first grader and a kindergartener by reviewing the dress code, homework policies, and classroom expectations. The one thing that both teachers emphasized was how important it is for students to come to school each day, on time, ready to learn.
We got home a little later than usual, so bedtime routine also got bumped back a bit. I tucked my children into bed knowing how seriously we take their education. Of all the children we have helped raise over the years, through foster care and our children who we are currently raising, this is the farthest we have ever gone academically … 1st grade. It feels like we’re in the big leagues now.
Eventually, after night time routine was over and I put on my pj’s, I tucked myself into bed. Vijay and I recapped how our individual days went and briefly discussed our hopes, dreams and worries we have for our children. To my great satisfaction, the conversation ended something like, “Honey, you are so right!”
I fell asleep peacefully.
At around 4:00 a.m. I woke up coughing … a lot apparently. Vijay got out of bed and got me some cough syrup, which I groggily thought as I drank the blue elixir, that’s extremely sweet.
“Hold on, you need two cups.”
I trust him. First of all, he’s a doctor. Secondly, I think he loves me.
“Thanks babe!” I feel better already. “What did you give me?” I ask for some reason.
“NyQuil,” he tells me.
“NyQuil?” I question the choice. My mind screams, Noooo! It’s 4 am, as I feel my body slip into a wonderful, dark and quiet sedative sleep.
—–
It is exceptionally bright when I wake up. I don’t hear Vijay getting ready for work, which is weird because that’s what I use as an alarm clock if a kid doesn’t wake me first. Blu is fast asleep next to me for some reason. I start a mental dialogue.
Wasn’t she in her bed when she fell asleep last night?
It seems much brighter than 6:30.
What time it is?
Boy do I feel rested!
Has Vijay already left for work?
Where are the kids?
I reach for my watch, sensing something’s off. Oh wow! It’s 8:30. I realize, as I wipe the drool from my face with the palm of my hand and apply it to the saliva drenched pillowcase on my bed.
Wait? “OH MY GOD! It’s 8:30!” I scream.
“What happened Mom?” I hear from two totally content pajama-wearing children, playing their tablets quietly in their beds, covers raised.
“We have exactly 15 minutes to get dressed, get shoes, get meds, brush teeth, do hair, and eat breakfast!” (Shoes get their own category – Have you ever tried to locate AND apply shoes on a 2, 5, and 6 year old in a hurry?)
I hear a couple of versions of “huh?” from their perspective rooms.
“It’s a school day!” I try to sound urgent.
“What? Today?” My kids, who are in it’s the weekend mode, look at me like I’m nuts.
“Okay team here we go … Go! Go! Go!”
—–
8:55! That’s five minutes before the bell – I’ll have you know! Everyone is at school, groomed, fed (tortillas and apple slices), and in line for their respective class.
At school, on time and ready to learn!
Nailed It!
Elizabeth–you must be Wonder Woman! 25 minutes to get three children ready? (Blu had to at least be in the car if not dressed ) School must be very close or you are very fast. . Good job!
Haha! Yes, the school is very close! Amazingly, I did actually get Blu dressed. My Grandma (in Maryland) always used to say, “There ain’t no flies on you girl!” – so maybe pretty fast as well.