Monday, September 9, 2013

Quack! Bawk! It's a kindergartener!

Last week, proud of climbing
Peter's cell phone quacked at about 7:15 this morning. That's his ringtone for calls from Abby, and as he reached for the phone I guessed, correctly, "It's ViMae checking in before her first day of kindergarten."

She was calling via FaceTime, giving us a view of a bright smiling face and giving her a view of two doting grandparents looking a bit sleepy. She immediately volunteered that she was nervous. I asked if she was excited, and she replied emphatically, "No, nervous." I told her it was okay to be nervous because starting school is a big new thing, and we both assured her she'd be fine.

A quick cuddle with Pa
A while later, Abby (who took a day off from work to accompany Vi to school on her first day) sent us a couple of photos (see one of them below). In them I see the girl who has grown from a wailing infant to a supremely self-confident kid. She's a girly-girl who loves pink and princesses and who hurtles around playground equipment with astonishing strength and stamina. The other photos here are from last week, when we actually went to two playgrounds in one day (and shared a malt with lunch).

She has grown up knowing that her brother is a champion early reader and who decided she was not interested in competing, so she still doesn't read much. But she has the same amazing command of vocabulary and excellent recall of the many complex stories their parents have read to them including Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings (plus Star Wars and other movies). She also has her own highly developed original story-telling skill. Where Augie is shy and reticent, she rushes to meet any potential new friend and instantly establishes a bond. While he always hated crafts, she revels in them and even recently got him involved in "decorating for a party."

Her preschool teachers told her parents that Vi was a great student--quick to learn, cooperative, cheerful, observant. I have no reason to think she won't bring all those traits to kindergarten. She, however, is busy lowering expectations. Last week I asked what she was looking forward to most. "Recess," she deadpanned like a pro, "and lunch."

Ready for school!
Some time this past summer, Vi picked up a couple of new habits. She squints in a look of disapproval...what we call the "stinkeye." Other times she bawks like a chicken. Sometimes she uses that as a way to avoid a conversation that is either uncomfortable or boring.

Last week, Pa talked with her about not using the stinkeye on her kindergarten teacher. During our FaceTime conversation this morning, he began to remind her of that. ViMae's reply: "Bawk."

We laughed and she laughed. We wished her well and said we loved her. She said, "Me, too, bye," and ended the call.

When we checked in at the end of the day she reported she'd already made a new friend named Annabelle, who is also pretty good at bawking. Tomorrow we get to deliver both Vi and Augie to school, and neither one will be nervous.


22 comments:

Jeanie said...

I loved hearing about ViMae's first day of kindergarten. It sounds like she is off to a great start on her school journey. She is so lucky to have all the support she gets from you.

stephen Hayes said...

I have a feeling ViMae is going to take to school like a fish to water. Fun times ahead.

Teresa Evangeline said...

Wow. Time marches on ... I wish every child on this planet was as loved as these two. I wish ViMae wonderful days and fun new experiences.

Linda Myers said...

Nothing better than school reports from a grandchild!

MissDazey said...

She is so cute, with " ready for school" smile. Thanks for sharing.

Chartreuse said...

Best of luck to ViMae in her school career. And congratulations for your part in helping her to be so well equipped to meet this new challenge.

Sally Wessely said...

What a girl! I love her spunk. She looks like she has great confidence, personality, and her very own unique style. I think she will take kindergarten, and the rest of the world by storm.

You both played no small role in getting both of these children ready for school. Bravo.

Far Side of Fifty said...

She is off to school another milestone has been reached. I am sure she will excel in school and make lots of friends. I love her "do"!

DJan said...

She is so adorable. I love her going to school outfit. You are both so fortunate to have her and Augie nearby so you can watch them grow up. :-)

Unknown said...

She is so cute and I love her attitude! Reminds me of my granddaughter! Hope you had fun dropping them both off this morning. Being on campus can be so much fun!

Jeanie said...

I love your ViMae posts -- I sure have seen her grow and change over the year or two. She's adorable. How exciting to be in "real" school!

Mandy_Fish said...

I'm a big fan of the stinkeye, so me and Vi would get along just fine. I think I'm gonna steal that "BAWK!" trick because I don't like uncomfortable conversations either.

P.S. She's awesome.

Pearl said...

Awww!

Pearl

Unknown said...

Wonderful update. Thanks.

AiringMyLaundry said...

So cute! I'm glad she likes school!

Deb Shucka said...

I can't believe she's in kindergarten already. Love her hair! I'll bet her teacher loves her already. Looking forward to hearing more of her school adventures.

troutbirder said...

How sweet. Our sons were great but we missed not having a daughter...:)

Indigo Roth said...

Hi Nancy, this is a wonderfully warm and uplifting entry. You and grandpa are the best x Indigo

Anonymous said...

Aw, Vi. Have a great year. I love your name. My mom's name is Vi, too! Love this post!

Grandmother Mary said...

How could she be in kindergarten already?! But she looked too cute on her first day! She'll thrive, I'm sure, social butterfly that she is. Keep dancing, Nancy.

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

Vi Mae is adorable. I bet even her stinkeye is cute.

MikeWJ at Too Many Mornings said...

That is a sweet post, she is an adorable girl, and you are wonderful grandparents. I say that about you because I'm never nice when anybody wakes me up early, even somebody I love.

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