First fourth and first

Officially the new school year has begun.
N. started Fourth grade!
Z. started First!
"No Way!" my brain screams, "I couldn't possibly have kids so grown up."
I have turned into my mother.
I see her tan veiny hands and hear her soft "time to get up", every morning now as I wake the kids.
Memories of her as a real person and not some extension of my self started about the time she was the same age I am now.
I knew that day would come but, how have I turned into her, when she is still in her 30's to me?

N. likes the idea that their class earns money, he has always loved money. He said today that his teacher has ugly feet though and then went on to describe each toe on both feet. If that is the worst that can happen then my unfounded mother worries are eased. He did say too that he and his recess buddies are having a hard time recruiting a "Dana". He started a Goonies club apparently and wants a foreign speaker to be Dana. I forgot to ask who he is, hopefully not Chester Copperpot.

Z. made a new friend on the first day and hasnt slowed down since. She loves that she can sit anywhere on the rug and that if no one is in front of her she can stretch her legs instead of "criss cross applesauce." She also "LOVED,LOVED" her lunch. I'm glad school lunch can still make some kids happy. Waking up early isnt so bad once she is outside, in fact its hard to get a word in with all of her happy jabbering-on.

T. doesnt miss them, not sure about the babys feelings though since her vocabulary consists of "no" and "uh oh" mostly. She does really like seeing them at the park when its over and has a big smile and running hug for them both. Mom does too, but somehow its just not as appreciated.