First Day of School

Dear Sam,
I haven’t written you a letter since March. There are all kinds of reasons for this (including someone reported us to DFCS for having a picture of you visible online AND we bought a new house and moved in AND we have a new baby in that new house that makes anything extra seem impossible) but don’t think that because I haven’t written I haven’t had things to say! We have pictures that tell the story of our summer: becoming a family of 5, you getting a new room in the new house, your first swimming lessons, special days with Mae Mae and Steve….the list goes on.

You’re two years old in every way. You’re talking more, starting to pretend, running all the time, asking a million questions, and trying to use the potty more and more.

Something special happens tomorrow that I wanted to make sure I wrote about. You’re going to start school!

Now, in some ways this change won’t feel that different for you. Since you’ve lived with us you’ve gone 5 days a week to Ms. Shannon’s house for daycare but at her house there are only 6 kids (you and your brothers are 3 of the 6) and none of the kids are really your age. So – even though it won’t be my first time dropping you off to stay somewhere while I work, it will still be different.

School is really important. Even in the two-year old room. It is where you’ll learn about letters and numbers and colors and shapes and feelings. You’ll learn about listening and standing in line and waiting your turn. You’ll learn more about books and pretend and art and science and which slide on the playground is really the best. The most important thing I think school will do for you this year is give you a chance for you to make friends and learn how to be a friend. You’ll have to learn more about sharing. You’ll get to learn more about being kind. You already care deeply for people – especially when they are hurt and school will help you know what to do with that. I am excited about all that school will teach you.

The school you are going to is pretty special. I went to school there! And Jar went to school there. Lots my friends went to school there too. In fact, when we were there today for orientation I talked to another Mama who I know from being in school there 30 years ago. Your Bubbie and I hope we have made a good choice for you and that you have a wonderful time there. In my wildest dreams I would never ever have imagined I would be living in Columbus and sending a child to the same pre-school I attended – but you should know that our life right now is so much better than any of my wildest dreams!

You probably are going to be the only kid at this school who has two moms.  We know that sending you to school means that you’re one step closer to realizing that makes our family special. We trust the school and the church and hope that you never ever feel like this is a bad thing. We’re excited about you having friends and meeting people that have all different kinds of families. Steve has already put the “donuts with dad” day on his calendar to celebrate with you and Bubbie and I both will be there for “muffins with mom.”

We’re figuring this out as we go, Sweets, and we're trying to make the decisions that are best for you and for our family. You continue to bring us and our friends and family so much joy. You’re smart and sassy and beautiful and independent. I am so glad – so glad – that we’re celebrating this “first” with you. I can’t wait to see what happens this school year and how you grow.

I love you Sweet Girl,
Mama

P.S. We’re still waiting on some things to be printed in the paper and some papers to be signed. Your adoption has been delayed again, but we’re confident there is light at the end of the tunnel!