The first time our 17 year old spent the night away from us, she was about a year old. She went to the beach with her grandmother. So we did what every first time parent of a new baby would do when faced with an entirely free weekend to spend alone with one another after a long year of sleepless nights and challenging days—-we spent hours watching home videos of her.
So when the triplets went off to school yesterday for the first time—leaving our home in the early morning hours and not returning until a quarter past 4 o’clock in the afternoon, we did what every over-tired, under caffeinated parent of triplets plus 2 would do after years of hard non-stop labor and hazardous triplet duty….we ran straight to the store and did their Christmas shopping!!
It’s retail therapy plus it complies with my stringent Christmas schedule of events.
Furthermore, with them in school all the live long day, my summer job is kaput.
Wait a minute.
First we got coffee, then we went Christmas shopping and then we met the teenager for lunch at Panera for soup. She’s a senior now, so she has a very abbreviated academic schedule. Brat.
Then we went home and sat on the front porch and waited.
And waited…
and waited…
and waited…
Wait a minute.
First, I took a 2 hour nap from the emotional exhaustion and then I went out to buy balloons for the back-to-school kindergarten party we were throwing for them and then I waited…
and waited….
and waited…
and waited…
Until I saw the flashing red lights in the distance. And the cute little stop sign that swings out the side of the bus.
And all three of them gleefully exited the bus like professional kindergartners. Like they been doing this stuff all their little lives.
Pausing for just a brief moment to pass along a sweet sentiment to the bus driver that went something like: “I will miss you, Mr. Bus Driver.”
Because after-all, they had just met 7 hours ago. I don’t even think they were on a first name basis yet. But Peyton was already going to miss him.
They seemed somewhat dazed and slightly confused when they were on the home front and herded together once again.
They were not the least bit disconcerted by having separate class rooms and teachers.
Or by being away from me all day long–for that matter.
You look vaguely familiar. Do I know you? Oh yeah. You’re in my tribe. Where have you been all day? I am in so-and-so’s class down the hall…
Then they immediately jumped on their bikes, misbehaved, whined, broke all the rules, picked their noses and swam in the swimming pool until we forced them inside for a quick “Happy Kindergarten Slash Back to School To You ” song and dance routine choreographed by yours truly.
Then I stayed up all night worrying about my first day of classes next Monday and wondering just what kind of balloons, cake and party favors will be at my “Happy Back To College Day“ party that the party fairy is going to throw for me ham sandwich I was thinking going back to college now.
Then I was joyfully nudged awake by eager triplets this morning at 6 am who mistakenly thought they were going right back to school bright and early again today—— only they were not because the kindergarteners are on a staggered schedule until Tuesday. Thankyouverymuchforgettingmeupathecrackofdawnfornogoodreason.
I guess the idea is to break the little whipper snappers in easy. Or break the teachers in easy?
Then I watched “Bolt” with the kids and cried for 64 minutes and became 82% more dehydrated than I have been all summer.
What is wrong with me? Please advise.
Signed,
A very emotional Grasshoppa
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds like they are going to love school, you have prepared them well.
Good Luck Monday!
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Love that they’re having an easy, breezy go of it! And how nice to go to the store sans kiddos, right?
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So glad to hear it went so well….for them. And what a great start on your Christmas shopping! I haven’t even given it a thought yet. I should do that soon….hmmm maybe next month.
I’m sure your first day of school will be nice and smooth and a piece of cake! Just like theirs!
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I knew they were going to love the bus, school, and even being in separate classrooms! You really should listen to me more often!
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It looks like class went well. Hopefully your first day will be just as grand. Is the movie Bolt sad?
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I’m glad they had a smooth first day. I hope they are that easy to get up on Monday morning!
Bolt doesn’t make me cry *too* much but I bawled all the way through Toy Story 3.
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Oh Hoppa! The separation anxiety is dreadful isn’t it? Cheers for you going back to school! I hope it’s wonderful for you.
Cmom
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They’ll do great! And so will you!
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So they did great and you got a lot done, is that what you’re saying? Coffee, lunch and shopping sounds divine!
I have not left my son alone with anyone but his Dad in 18 months…what do you think I will be like when school starts for him??
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Thanks, Oka.
I might just fake a pregnancy to get out of going back. I’m undecided
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Ummm, yeah.
I felt like I was missing 3 limbs.
I walked lopsided the entire time. Will take some getting used to !!!
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Smooth and piece of cake?
Only if I sit in the cafeteria the entire time——–wait—-now that’s an idea….
Thanks!!
Plan B.
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Yes, I really should. I need to practice my listening skills. Just as soon as I hydrate.
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Thanks for the tip. I will be sure to NOT watch that one anytime soon. I just cried watching the Emmy’s.
WTH????
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Thanks, CMOM.
I figure I can always hide in the little girls room if things get too bad, right?
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I will settle for not getting lost
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Oh boy. You better start practicing…like tomorrow.
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The reason you are going back to school is because you LOVE it! Remember!!! I’m so happy the PIE are loving their school too!
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Today was my “baby dumplin’s first day … sniff
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