Saturday, October 1, 2011

Dear September...

Dear September, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

 I usually love September, back to school, chill in the air, sweater weather...

This year September can suck it.

I feel like I could sleep for weeks and still not regain the strength that September has zapped from me.

September has been challenging for these two as well.

We attempted preschool for Melese. Yeah, didn't work out so well. We are trying one more thing next week, but I am pretty sure that he is just not ready emotionally. This discovery needs its own post, but in case I don't get to it, here is the jist:

Melese, why are you so scared when the other parents leave? Did that ever happen to you?

Yes Mommy. Those teachers in Ethiopia, I was left there and no one came back. I was running, and running and I couldn't find Meazi.

Not. Pushing. Preschool.

Meazi has done wonderfully at her new school. She loves it. I have realized that it is virtually impossible to get into this school if you didn't start in Kindergarten. I have been made painfully aware of that fact by the multitude of parents who have approached me demanding to know who on earth we are, and how in the hell we managed to get a coveted first grade spot? Some parents have been warm and welcoming, others have been reprehensible. I have learned some tough lessons about 'invasion of privacy' and how to react to inappropriate questions including, "DID HER MOTHER DIE OF AIDS?"

School drop off has turned me into an ultra defensive, ball of nerves. My eyes dart from side to side as I try and deflect a nosy Nellie, or seem friendly to a kindly Kelly. The good news is that there continues to be a sort of  wondrous force of the universe that continues to place my daughter in the arms of the world's greatest teachers. Her new teachers are first responders like her previous teachers, incredible women who seem to understand Meazi.

I woke up this morning with pinkeye and a cold, but DAMMIT OCTOBER YOU WILL BE BETTER!

It has to be right? Halloween! Melese asked to be Christopher Robin for Halloween. How cute is that and what an EASY costume! Meazi wants to be a bunny, but not a 'movie' bunny, a 'nature' bunny. I'm sure Steven can make that on his sewing machine!

There will be hot cider right?  And beautiful leaves? That field mouse that has been tormenting me will find a new home right? Instead of sitting on our non humane traps and eating his fucking organic peanut butter, taking a poop, and then leaving the trap still set? RIGHT?

I realize that these are small, first world problems, but we are all a bit...

untethered. Me. No. Like. Untethered.

C'mon October...

I'm counting on you.

20 comments:

  1. September has pretty much sucked here, too. Lots of whining, snarfling, hacking, lungs threatening to fling themselves from chest cavities......

    Oh, Melese, running and running, he got me there, can't blame you for keeping him home. Is there a parent/tot program you can both go to? That's how I started with Manny and it helped.

    October can redeem all of September! And be fabulous within itself. I hope Steven does sew something, where the hell did you get this man? I thought the linzer tarts were off the hook ;)

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  2. October will be better. It has to, I mean really. Christopher Robin. Adorable.

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  3. September kicked my butt too - the transition to a new school has been way rougher than I expected - and so far October isn't any better. Hope things turn around for you!

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  4. Maybe there was some universal September suckage month--because it wasn't so great here either. October is my favorite month for all the reasons you mentioned. I love that Steven sews costumes on his machine and bakes cookies--I got me one of them as well--and they make parenting so much better even when they're being pains in the arses. Hugs to you and those awesome M&Ms.

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  5. October is going to be sooo much better Julie. The nosy Nellies will stop and the kindly Kellys won't. Christopher Robin?! Oh come on it's killing me it's so cute. And the school in ET Julie!!! Can't wait to hear all the updates as the building starts. Yeah, I think you're in for a MUCH better October.

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  6. Yep... I get that relief of having a good/bad school experience and the (not-so-fantastic) dynamic of entering a private school. I am so so glad to hear your daughter's teachers "get her". I am a former elem. teacher myself and I know that despite how hard we try, we just don't "get" every student. I am also glad that you can clearly see your son's needs and are able to take a step back with him to help him heal. Cider cheers to a better October!
    PS...And Christopher Robin with a bunny in tow? Too cute for words. :)

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  7. September sucked the life out of me too . . . and I don't even have children.

    I do, however, work with small children, many of whom are just not ready for preschool until the are 3.5 - 4.5. And, it's OK. Some of us just need more time to prepare for big changes. Are are any preschools around that you can attend with Melese?

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  8. I have a good feeling about October. The weather will cool (hopefully), which will mean we'll all be forced to wear cozy scarfs and give longer hugs - which somehow always leads to fireside chats, hot toddy's and homemade pumpkin bread. And as you astutely pointed out, there will be cider and there will homemade Halloween costumes. With so much yumminess, what could possibly go wrong? :)
    Damn the nosey Nelly's! And remember, the nosey Nelly's take up more space, but that doesn't mean that there's more of them. Kindly Kelly's have your back! xoxoxo

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  9. I too am usually a Septemberaholic. This season... needs new writers. Characters are off. Lighting is drab. There is certainly something amiss. October- ya- ya.. that'll do it!

    Oh- and Teg wants to be a butterfly for halloween, if I hadn't found a butterfly lawn ornament I can duct tape to his back (found 2.99!) I was totally going to ask for butterfly costume advise! (duct tape = my sewing machine)

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  10. The school isn't the same without you . . . all four of you. Believe it or not, this year is already getting off to a good start. That's not to say you shouldn't have switched schools. I'm just updating you on the goings on at the previous school. The principal is much more visible and he's said things I liked. We had the school's Olympics yesterday. The kids (and parents) had a ball. (It would have been much better with you guys there!)

    I miss you terribly. I don't like what I'm hearing about some of those a**hole parents who keep giving you the third degree at the new school. Who are these people and what business is it of theirs how your kid got there and who you are? Now THAT is rubbing me the wrong way. Just know I've got your back, Julie!!

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  11. Sorry your September was a shitbag.

    Compared to my rugby player of an August, September was stockings and champagne.

    October is starting off nicely though, hope it's a winner for all of us.

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  12. October will be better, I can feel it.

    And also. Get a cat. We just did and so far, the mice are gonzo. Organic PB can eat it.

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  13. September is still technically summer. Fall is going to be better than summer this year. (never thought I'd say that). Fall is going to be better. Fall is going to be better. Fall is going to be better. Fall is going to be better.

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  14. No fan of September here either.
    I suggest some hard cider for October just in case.

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  15. "This year September can suck it"...i'll drink to that. i am hoping your october has you feeling more grounded and freed from your field mouse tormentor.

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  16. Yes, us too with the sucky september.

    I love shannon's comment - THIS SEASON NEEDS NEW WRITERS!! Indeed. Amen.

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  17. I hear you! September can go away and never come back. Keeping hope alive for October. Love the picture, too, you all are adorable. :)

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  18. oh yeah. September was ugly. Crap I have NO idea what I am gonna do for four kids for Halloween.

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  19. Aw man-sounds like September sucked pie for all of us, no? Hoping for turn-arounds for your beautiful, lovely crew.

    And thanks for your thoughtful note on my blog--I'll still be around, reading and snooping. :-)

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  20. I need help figuring out how to handle the inappropriate adoption questions! What works for you? I'm so sick of trying to defend my decision to adopt from overseas and nosy people asking about health related questions...

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