Tuesday, February 26, 2008

In the beginning...

I know you're probably wondering why I chose the title "Natural Brick". Or maybe you don't care. Either way, here's the story. When my sister was in college, she was in a band called Natural Brick. I thought it was a great name for a band and it stuck. To be honest, the name has far outlasted any song I remember them playing. However, if you knew my sister now, you'd find it hard to believe she could ever have played in a rock band. I find it funny. A great name for a band that no longer exists, staring my sister who no longer seems like the type to be in a band. Hmm...

Today, I took my daughter to her Kindergarten screening. We started by sitting down with the school psychologist who asked a few simple questions of my daughter. Now, to be fair, my daughter HATES to be put on the spot on most days, but today she was painfully shy. At each question, I was resisting being the hovering-mother by answering the questions for her. And the school pschologist would not be considered chatty under any circumstances...so you can imagine this scene. "What do you like to do in preschool?" he asked. And no answer is given. My daughter puts on the thinking face. So we waited...and waited...and waited. A full minute must have gone by. Which is a LONG time under the circumstances. Finally, my daughter says in a voice that was barely audible: "choice time." CHOICE TIME? How about puzzles or games or dolls? Something that didn't lead to another question!!! As I was wondering if I should ask her to repeat it louder, the psychologist asks the anticipated "What do you do in choice time?" Oh good grief. This scenario repeats itself a few painful times before we were finally released.

Upon reflecting on this time, I realize that because I'm all grown up, I've learned to answer questions that are asked of me. She will someday too. But we are both scared. We are both on the verge of starting a new chapter of life. She will be entering school, which she has only heard about from her big brother. But it is a new adventure. And I now have to share BOTH of my children with the school system. It's something I'm both anticipating and dreading. I imagine she feels the same way. I'm just better at hiding it. Now - would you like to know what I like to do while my daughter is in preschool?? :)