last day of 6th, 3rd & pre-k!

today, monday, june 27th (A MONDAY), we are closing the books on another school year. and this one most definitely FLEW. BY.

(their first day here.)

we survived 3 kids at 3 different schools, and with the exception of a single day, mike was able to work from home the entire school year. having him at drop off/pick up 90% of the time was so special, and we're so aware what a gift it's been. navigating life is always tricky, but the handful of days i had off work, or mike took off work with me, were gifts to us as a couple, and individually. it was the start of a new chapter in life, and part of me is just in utter shock we're still in new york city, with 3 (now) elementary school-ers (elle was in kinergarten when we moved here! just like harvey will be)!

harvey didn't shed a single tear going to class ever. he loved his teachers, his class, and his friends. at pre-k graduation his teacher (ms. shannon) gave him the "master of catchphrases" award for teaching the entire class constant catchphrases he picked up from his brother, dad, and youtube, which most likely horrified all the other parents. (sorryyyy!) there were some DOOZIES.

jude's 3rd grade year was his best he's had thus-far. he had elle's old 3rd grade teacher- ms. tracey, which was the biggest blessing. we knew her, she knew us, and we know how much of an advocate she was for structure and consistency. she was just what he needed, especially coming off a year of being remote, filled with nervousness, and being the only petersen at his school thanks to that stellar clerical error that landed harvey at a private UPK program). lesson learned: things work out just how they need to. his independence blows me away, and his smartness has absolutely surpassed my own. 

elle gained independence and grace for her first middle school year. 6th grade just sounds terrifying to me, but she was brave and wonderful. she made all new friends, became an incredible runner, and gained more & more independence as the year went on. she learned social navigation, and the evolution of making,  developing, and sometimes releasing friendships. although i was totally digging the daily levain/dunkin donut runs with her & mike, she eventually saved us and our budget, and walked to/from school each day like a perfectly independent tween.  

we made it. 

happy summer break!

THE 1ST DAY OF (ALL MY BABIES BEING IN) SCHOOL!

After 18 months together every single day, and for the first time ever… all 3 of my babies are in school— 6 hours/day, 5 days a week: Pre-k, 3rd, & 6th. Everyone is at a different school (HEAVEN HELP ME), each apart after what feels like a lifetime all together. My heart aches and my mind is worried, but I’m so proud of them for being the raddest, bravest, best kids I could ask for. 

Today is an ending and a beginning and a middle.

Everyone went without tears (and I'm happy to report was picked up with a similar lack of tears).

Also, it took 90 minutes to get everyone dropped off, so let’s hope we get into the swing of efficiency sooner rather than later.

last day of 2nd grade & pre-k!

last tuesday the kids (FINALLY) had their last day of school! it was a half-day, and probably the longest day ever (i was finishing up another juice cleanse, and simultaneously fighting a cold and coming down with MASTITIS. AGAIN). i was also eyeball-deep in packing for our miami trip (we left the next morning), and with a fever, chills, sore boobs, a needy baby, and the realization that i have 3 kids at home allll day again... it was a lot to process in one afternoon:) 

BUT!!! we not only survived the school year, it was also a really good one. the kids excelled and i'm SO happy with how the year turned out overall! so proud of my almost-kindergartener & 3rd grader!

(their first day of pre-k & 2nd grade here.)

first day of 2nd grade & pre-k!!

the decision to send jude to pre-k this year was one i made with my eyes closed. hoping the day wouldn't come. maybe if i ignored it, it wouldn't happen. mike knew it needed to happen. i mean, i guess i did, too? the stars had to align just right for him to get in to elle's school- spots are insanely hard to come by, and i thought our chances were zilch. if he got in, he had to go.

he got in.

he had to go.

it's time, and i know it, but man, that night before school started, i started to sob as i laid in bed. i wasn't ready. the kid hates church, play dates, friends houses... you name it. he struggles to leave my side, and he's FULL THROTTLE when he feels strongly about something. it's emotionally draining for me, and to be honest, i am dreading this new transition in so many ways. the good news is day 1 was a huge success. i'm praying it continues and he has a positive experience going to school. he needs the help, the reinforcement, the discipline from someone other than mike or myself. it's time. i just wish he wasn't gone all day loooonng.

i'm not speaking much about elle because, well, elle was SO EXCITED to go! she hardly slept. she spoke nonstop. girlfriend was stoked for 2nd grade!!!

i know this might come as a shock, but the kids dressed themselves! also, we didn't really school shop, so elle ended up begging jude to wear his new tiger shirt. she wore her "unicorn fart shoes" (she named them. clever). jude shortened them to just her "fart shoes."

i relinquished clothing rights long ago. i try to steer, but they seldom listen. it's so entertaining to watch them dress themselves and express their little creative minds!

elle was SO HAPPY to be reunited with 2 of her best friends after a long summer apart (most go to camp or their other homes upstate for the summer).

elle headed in first. 

jude sobbed. "ELLE! I MISS YOU!!!" love or hate between these two man. and nothing in between;)

jude's first day was only 90 minutes and we stayed with him, but he rocked that first day.

my favorite thing about his class may be that he has an olaf and a kitty!! 

best. names. ever.

fingers crossed the eagerness continues!

oh, how i love these two big kids of mine! summer was a total dream- both because it was a surreal blur, and because it was sincerely incredible. probably the best 2 months ever. they're my little adventure buddies, the greatest helpers and big siblings, and i miss them already!!