Before school ended, I couldn't remember squat. My body was a hormonal rage and I was just plain tired and that lead to my memory being a big target. Summer came and I got more sleep and wouldn't really forget anything. Well, let me tell you, school is back in session, but not my memory. I walk around with a pen in my hair and a legal pad in my hand. At all times. I write stuff down next to specific students' names, I write stuff down to remind myself to take care of later, I write stuff down to remind myself of conversations I've had. I also have my ladies remind me in case I forget, because chances are I still will.
Everyone keeps asking me how I've been feeling. I really have been feeling great, but I am starting to feel the affect of the weight. My secretary made a comment about a waddle I seem to be developing. I do feel it, but not until the end of the day when my tummy muscles and back are just plain tired. My bed time is creeping closer and closer to 9 o'clock. I've been walking at school after work because when I get home, I do 50 other things that need done, and then it's bedtime.
My kiddos keep me going though, so during the day, I hardly have time to think about how tired I'm getting. They are wowing me every day with something new they've learned, or something new they are finally doing after days of drilling it into them. We really overhauled our program this year, and our kids are a part of the school in a way they haven't been before. They are doing so much interacting with their classmates, and becoming more independent students. I started tearing up at a meeting yesterday telling a mom how proud and amazed I am by her daughter. These kids make my heart smile, and I continue to brag about them. They hold such a special place in my heart. It is so amazing to watch their relationship with their paraprofessional develop and change throughout the year. They each learn things separately, together, and about each other. They care so deeply for the child they have been placed with, and each lady wants their child to be pushed.
Every day they do something that makes me laugh. One of the girls was giggling so loudly and for so long one day that my belly was doing a little dance listening to her. I love to hear each one laugh and I love to see their charming smiles. One of my boys has been stopping me in my tracks lately, and reminding me to slow down and take in these moments. He will say, "Miss Katie? Miss Shannon cares." or he will say another lady's name in her place. The first time I heard it, I started to tear up. He's maturing. Then he will turn around and try to speak in a Boston accent while being reprimanded....so there's that...
It's only halfway through September, but I'm already preparing for maternity leave. Some of the teachers have told me horror stories of going early and not having any plans ready, and no sub. Thankfully, I have a sub and she is great! I know she will love my kiddos just as much while I am gone taking care of my baby boy. I plan on sharing a snippet about each student and their relationship with their para. I know I will have to keep it short, because you all know how I can go on and on about my kids! I plan on typing it, so I will still have plenty of legal pads to use when I get back! :)
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