Getting Acquainted

I mentioned back in December after the Sunday School Christmas program that this is my year of many "lasts" -- mainly any type of program or event tied to elementary school. My baby is growing up and heading to 7th grade next year. Yikes.

Deep down, I was hoping I didn't have to address this reality head-on until like May or maybe June. No such luck. Tonight we had our first introduction to 7th grade already. A Middle School orientation that is probably going to cause numerous sleepless nights in the future. Seriously, when the 6th-grader's primary concern is how it he going to figure out a combination lock, we're in for a long 7 months!

This isn't even touching on the fact we are switching Carter from a public school to a private school, where he may know only a small handful of kids his age. Or touch on the fact the schedule is different -- earlier start to the day plus 8 different class periods and numerous teachers. Did I mention the dress code?

Surprisingly -- and this is a good surprise -- despite all these changes, Carter is very excited about all the opportunities that await him. Honestly, he's said more than once this going to be a good prep for college (which he must have heard from somebody). He's also excited he may see his older cousin Colin on occasion. And, after tonight's orientation meeting, he is thrilled (to put it mildly) that they haven't had a tuba player in the Assumption Middle School band for 4 or 5 years! He's gonna be the man!

Hopefully Daddy, as an alum, can answer questions and help him get even more acquainted with this new experience. Because Mommy will be completely useless.... hovering in the background, clutching my tissues and blabbering about how my baby is growing up too fast.

You can't blame me, can you?