We all walked him to school. Gabe was mad he couldn't stay, too. When I picked Caden up afterward, I could tell he loved it!
On the second day, he told me not to pack him a sandwich, and I haven't since then. He survives on just snacks, which surprised me, because at home he is always hungry. I'm not complaining though--it means less money spent on bread! When it was time to get him, it was raining hard. It settled down but then picked up again on our way home. It made me reconsider my decision to skip the bus. I chose not to use it because Caden wouldn't get home until an hour after school is over and he gets car sick.
The third day was Welcome Night, and Caden showed us around his classroom.
The fourth day ended the first week of school. Caden did very well behaviorally and academically, no surprise. He's made new friends, particularly the next-door-neighbor girl who's in his class. He loves all the specials (library, gym, music, and art). Each day he tells me who got in trouble or cried, who he played with or sat next to, who had classroom jobs, and what they did and learned.
I called the transportation office the next morning to clarify the bus situation. Turns out I can use it whenever I like. Caden was very excited to hear that he would finally be able to go on the bus the following Monday! He takes it every morning to school, and then I pick him up in the afternoon. I haven't decided what to do yet come winter.
As for all my worries, Caden has adjusted amazingly to the long school day, as have Gabe and I. Gabe is actually much calmer and more manageable with Caden gone, although Gabe is usually the instigator of trouble. We now have one-on-one bonding time, and I can get more done while he naps since Caden isn't home to interrupt me.
Caden didn't use the potty at school the first week. I thought it was because he didn't want to wipe himself, but turns out he was afraid the flush would be loud. He's gone pee a couple times since, but saves the rest for once at home. However, he does all the wiping himself now. He's cried a couple times at school, twice when physically hurt and once because the fire drill alarm scared him (he hates loud noises). Each time he recovered quickly, he said.
Yesterday he got his first yellow, which is the first warning for misbehavior. Previously, he had all "green/green" days. I asked him if he cried for getting in trouble. He said no. In fact, he was smirking while telling me. Apparently, he still thinks what happened was funny (a certain boy in his class who seems to have taken on the role of class clown has not been a good influence on him, lol). He lost his after-school TV time and that was that.
Overall, Caden enjoys school very much. He still gets excited to go every day and is bummed he can't go on the weekends too. The bus ride has still retained its novelty. It's so cute seeing his bright smile as he waves goodbye to us from his window. I love my little kindergartner!
