The Second First Day of Kindergarten

Monday was Q's first day in his new Kindergarten/1st Grade combo class, he was so nervous. His new combo class is so different from his kindergarten class. Before school, he lines up with the other classes and grades, instead of lining up with just kindergartners right in front of the kindergarten classrooms. He has his own supplies stored in his own desk (that's him at his desk in the turquoise shirt) and he has to go outside to the bathroom instead of having a bathroom right in the classroom. One plus, he still gets out at 11 with the other kindergarten early birds. Thankfully, his first combo class week went well and he's still enjoying kindergarten.

It seems like he's already grown up so much in just his first two weeks of school. I peeked in on him in class when I picked him up on Monday, it's so strange to see him maneuvering around the room and following directions. He looked so grown up, so different from the scared, little boy that I left on the rug on his first, first day of kindergarten.

Kindergarten

This week was full of changes for Q. Tuesday was a big day, kindergarten at a new school. He's been going to preschool at a small private school, so the switch to public school was a huge change. He woke up excited, but I think he was just trying to psyche himself up. B and I stood with him in line in front of his class and both of us (Q and I) managed to hold back our tears. When we picked him up he said he loved it!! On Wednesday after I picked him up, he asked if kindergarten was everyday. I told him yes and thankfully he's still ok with it. I took Tuesday and Wednesday off to hang out with Q after his first two kindergarten mornings so Thursday was another big change for Q, kindergarten in the morning and daycare after. He goes to daycare at the private school where he went to preschool so at least it's something familiar. He doesn't love having to go to daycare, but he's dealing with it. Today we found out he has another change to deal with, he's getting moved to the kindergarten/first grade combo class starting Monday. He seemed excited at first, but now he's starting to rethink the whole ordeal. He's already told me he doesn't want to switch, he likes the kindergarten class he's already in. All of our anxieties that were slowly starting to fade have just reached a new height....

Self Portraits, 2nd generation self portraits

Q was proud of writing his name and age on his power chart. He took pictures and even a video. I used to look at the pictures on his camera and would find silly self portraits that he had taken. One day when he and I were in the kitchen, I looked over to see him filming a video of himself with his power chart. A skill I'm sure he learned from his super talented cousin, Sami. I wish I could have uploaded the whole video. I had to cut off the beginning because the file was too big. The first 15 seconds or so of the video are of him adjusting the camera to make sure it was aimed at the right spot.

So Q starts kindergarden tomorrow, already. I can't believe the super sweet little boy in that video is off to school. I'm not sure who is more anxious, me or him.

Green Belts

We got to spend the summer with my mom who just recently went back home to the Philippines, so it's back to sending pics, videos and stories through the blog. Q just tested for his green stripe belt, and this was Q's best testing yet. The instructors at his tae kwon do school amaze me. They know each child (all 200+ of them) so well and understand each child's needs and talents. The instructors take extra time to talk to Q and encourage him to build up his confidence. Q, who used to be afraid of the board breaks, had enough confidence this time around to break two junior boards. His age group usually does board breaks with a single smaller board.

Q's tae kwon do school encourages family involvement, so I started the adult classes a few months ago and just tested for my green belt. I'm in class with a few parents and really enjoy it. So, after sitting back and watching class for a few months, B just joined the adult class too. I can't wait to put pics and videos up of his first testing!

Preschool Graduation

Q had his preschool graduation ceremony last night. I knew his class had been practicing, but I wasn't sure if he would really go through with it. When I asked him about it the other night, he said he talked to his teacher about it and told her he would think about it. Only Nana and Papa were there because I didn't want to invite other friends and family out only to have him back out. The Church was full of friends and family of the other students, I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but he did so well! He did the procession, recited the two verses and sang the three songs! He even managed to crack a smile while singing. We were so proud of him and it was so awesome to see him be proud of himself.

Yeti Sighting

Seeing the real Quentin in action is rare for most, it's like a yeti sighting. He only cuts loose around family and his cousins have a way of really getting him to come out of his shell. Tonight he was feeling so good because he did so well in his tae kwon do class. Q got to hang out at his cousin's house after his class while I did my tae kwon do class and this is what I came home to when I went to pick him up. Hold on to your hats and glasses......this is the Q that I see all the time, but no one ever sees this side of him!

Board Breaking

Q is really good at board breaking, but he has no idea that he is because of his lack of self confidence. He just doesn't see how strong he is and doesn't realize he has good technique. His instructors are so patient with him and keep encouraging him to build up his self confidence. After lots of practice that included crying and freezing up, board breaking is finally something Q enjoys.