Big Emotions, Muddy Shoes, and New Beginnings
A Summer of Change
Hello, fellow book lovers. It has been quite the summer, and though I have missed writing these posts immensely, it has been so busy that I am glad I took the break. Here is a recap for anyone new to the newsletter: we moved from Kansas City, Missouri, to Omaha, Nebraska. One of our dogs passed away unexpectedly, and “we” decided to get a puppy, but there were two sisters left, so why not get two?! We took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland and Italy with my grandma. We took our annual trip to Hayward, Wisconsin, with my in-laws, all while trying to get situated in a new town with new people and new routines. There have been lots of laughs and a few tears shed, but I am so grateful to all the friends and family who took time out of their busy summer schedules to visit us.
Now that summer has ended and school has officially begun for both kids, it’s time to get back to work. I have new and exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to share with you—make sure to tune into this newsletter every week so you can be first to get updates, sale codes, and be the FIRST to know about new products (I’ll take a page from T Swift’s book—there’s my Easter egg for what’s to come…new products COMING SOON).
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Back-to-School
The emotional rollercoaster for parents and kids at the start of a new school year is wild. Tucker started kindergarten, which is a huge milestone. He was nervous, but loves school and is already enjoying his full weeks.
Our kids aren’t at the same school here in Omaha like they were in Kansas City, so I had about two extra weeks with Ella. When her first day came this week, she was extremely excited. I’ll have to admit, I was too. It was going to be the first day since the move that I would have a few uninterrupted hours to get some things done. But, you know the ol’ saying, If you want to make God laugh, make a plan…
When Plans Don’t Go as Planned
Tucker woke up grumpy (which is unusual; he is usually a cheery morning person who doesn’t have to be asked to get ready). Scott left to go out of town at 4:30 that morning. This meant I was up at 4:30 to let the pups outside. So began the morning shuffle. You know the drill, breakfasts, teeth brushing, bags packed, lunches, etc.
We walked Tucker to school, and I stepped into a huge, sinking pile of mud. This brought to mind the Pete the Cat story, I Love My New Shoes. It’s interesting how a children’s book can help you get through a frustrating situation. I referenced the book as I tried to wipe some mud off in the grass—“…he stepped in a huge pile of mud…did Pete cry? Goodness no, he kept walking along singing his song…I love my brown shoes.”
Our kids are watching our reactions in these moments. You don’t realize how much re-parenting you must do for yourself when you become a parent. To be an emotionally regulated adult can be a difficult task, but it is worth the work to teach our kids how to self-regulate, too.
Big Emotions and Small Moments of Courage
Stepping in mud would have been enough of a setback, but don’t worry—the morning continues to surprise me. We got Tucker to school and headed to Ella’s. Before we left the driveway we discussed everything we were excited about. Then out of nowhere she started crying.
We were a couple minutes early, so I told her to unbuckle and climb up front with me. I think she just needed a hug…it had been months since we were apart for a full day of school. We took some deep breaths and away we went.
Motherhood’s Balancing Act
As we got out of the car, I received a call from Tucker’s school. He not only threw up in class, but threw up on a couple of his classmates. I must admit that motherhood is incredible; the ability to multitask, especially mentally, is something we should all be proud of.
I didn’t want my worry for one child to interrupt the magic of her first day of school. She found her cubby and a spot on the carpet. I left a little piece of my heart in one room as I headed to retrieve another.
The Lesson: Learning to Pivot
My day didn’t start or end the way I had planned. It was not one thing or one person that derailed everything, but what I took away from the day is that we have to be prepared to pivot.
I laughed telling the story to family members and joked if you don’t laugh about it you will cry—and after a day like that, I believe it. As we settle into new routines this fall, I hope we can all remember to be like Pete the Cat and keep walking along and singing our song.
A Story to Share with Your Kids
If your kids are also starting school and feeling those big emotions, my new book, The Adventures of Ella Bella and the New School, is a wonderful story to share together. It’s all about bravery, kindness, and navigating that exciting first day with confidence. Click the link to grab your copy today!
I hope you all have a great weekend, and as always, happy reading.
Katie Marie
