Well, it has begun. School has started. We are now ranked among the masses who use the crossing guard. We have been stopping for this crossing guard for a couple of years. Unbeknownst to Chase, I have been dreading the use of this crossing guard, along with every other little thing that means he is in school...since the day he was born. When I mentioned this to Chase, he said,

"How can you be so sad about me going to school? I am so excited!"

I was lamenting kindergarten to a friend of my, several days ago. She could only belly laugh at how ridiculous I was sounding. She said that she had heard of mothers like me, but hadn't been one herself. I, uh, mmmm, well, ya, and, uh...I seem to have no reponse to that.

Much to my happiness, I handled yesterday like an old pro. I was nearly hyperventilating as we walked to school. The closer we got, the more my legs turned to Jell-o. Jeff showed up, just as we got to the crossing guard. A little symbolic?

Once we got there, I was fine. Chase crossed the threshold of his room and was gone. He didn't need any introduction or excuse to dive head first. He had arrived! I walked out of the school like I had been doing this for years. Until I hit the end of the sidewalk. It hit me that I had been distracted by talking to the teacher and other parents, AND I FORGOT TO KISS HIM GOODBYE! He was so busy being involved that we didn't even say goodbye to him. Jeff tried to convince me it was not a big deal and I would just make a scene. Knowing that I would somehow put a scar on today, a scar that could never be removed, I went running back in to the school. Chase threw his arms around me and told me he loved me. I gave him a big fat kiss, told him I loved him, too , and wished him the happiest first day of school ever. There. I felt better. I know. Drama. Just tell me where to pick up my crown for Drama Queen.

Just to remind everyone that this day really was about Chase, and not his mother, Chase did have a fabulous day. He loves kindergarten. He told me that his teacher is "the nicest girl in the whole wide world." He suffers from the same affliction that I do, however. I have recently been diagnosed with "spontaneous disclosure". We are now seeing that it is hereditary. Chase told the girl cutting his hair that his teacher was not the one that he requested, but he likes her anyway. He just hopes that she doesn't give him hard homework.

Oh, if this excitement could continue until the 12th grade. Won't Chase be devastated when he finds out there is no recess in high school. We will keep that a secret for now.