August 19th — Daniel begins Kindergarten next week! Just like when he graduated from preschool, I am excited and not teary about the big transition. One more year of memories because life is short and unpredictable. After having one child go through that first year of school milestones, I know exactly how much my baby is going to grow up in the next few weeks. I remember being shocked and surprised at the experiences that matured Sara. They had little to do with education. One day she left the cafeteria by a different door than the rest of her class and got “lost.” She proudly told me she found a grown-up and asked them where Mrs. Huang’s class was and everything was okay. I didn’t tell her that she’ll dream about that experience for the rest of her life in moments of anxiety! That, and not being able to open your high school locker and you’re already late for class. Or perhaps those are just my school days anxiety dreams. Tonight was the parent’s Open House to meet the teacher and learn about the classroom education and schedule. Thirty parents or so crowded into the Kindergarten class and sat on tiny little Alice in Wonderland chairs to listen to our child’s teacher. Daniel got Mrs. Huang! Sara had her and all year I wanted to go back to school and become a Kindergarten teacher because it was such a fun year. Of course, I hugged Lori Huang and knew several other parents who have older kids at Hill or live in our neighborhood. A friend whose daughter went to preschool with Daniel laughed that everyone knew me in the class just like at First Presbyterian. I told her, “when you’re bald all year at school, everyone knows you!” She’s a doctor and we have this “let’s mock cancer” thing going on. If it weren’t for Adventure Cook’s popularity and success, I might be tempted to become a Kindergarten teacher again!