How did we get here?
Tonight was the first parent night at Pearl's new school, so Marcia and I both attended, and Marty the babysitter came to hang out with Pearl and Carrie. We are delighted with all the people at the school and feel fortunate to be a part of the community. The teachers are professional and passionate and attuned to the individual child. Our teacher said she wanted to be Lucy Caulkins when she grew up. I was impressed with that.
Nevertheless, the feeling of being parents in a PTA is a bit of a shock to the system. We didn't notice any other two-mom or two-dad families at the event. The discomfort was nothing a good frozen margarita with salt ($4 special on Ladies Night) couldn't quell however. When we got home, the babysitter told us Pearl's last words before she went to sleep. She sat up in bed and screamed: MARTY, I'M IN KINDERGARTEN!!!
I find that sometimes I forget to tell people like new teachers. Couldn't think of a thing to write in the "is there anything else you want to tell us about your child" section of the registration paperwork.
You know, until I got home.
Yesterday was our Montessori parent orientation and I made a point of coming out in the group and specifically to the teacher. "Yes, I had heard that Noah was from a 2 mom family." I think it was meant to be reassuring, but it felt like learning we were being gossiped about.
I guess there's no pleasing me. ;)
Posted by: Liza | 28 August 2009 at 08:26 AM
I think the first time anyone joins a PTA is always going to be a shock, because to me it means you're really an adult now, so you better act like one! For the record, I hardly ever feel like an adult, so have always felt out-of-place at PTA meetings, regardless of my family type or race (I'm usu. the only Asian).
Glad you all like the school :-)
Posted by: Lynne | 28 August 2009 at 08:54 AM
While I was no longer in a 2-mom family, I loved I got to go to the front of the line. May all of your PTA experiences get you to the front of the line too - except for those big volunteer gigs like Spaghetti Night: http://hahnathome.com/?p=3019
Posted by: Lori Hahn | 28 August 2009 at 11:30 AM
a very sweet post. but, i can't get over what a KID pearl looks like. she has kid feet, with kid shoes, not baby feet, not toddler feet, not ever pre-school feet. she has SCHOOL-aged kid feet. wow. what a milestone.
Posted by: cake | 29 August 2009 at 02:21 PM
yay, a VERY big milestone
Posted by: sharon | 29 August 2009 at 04:24 PM
We always make a point of "coming out" in person and casually but usually with the kids right there with us. Because the kids call me "Baba" which is unusual, we make sure they know that detail as well, so that the children's reports of home life will be understood.
Posted by: Robin Reagler | 31 August 2009 at 08:43 PM
That adds a helpful perspective for me. Thanks!
Posted by: Robin Reagler | 31 August 2009 at 08:44 PM
She's 4' 1" now. I can't get over it either!
Posted by: Robin Reagler | 31 August 2009 at 08:44 PM