“Excited”

Today was my first Parent Teacher Conference.  I actually felt a little nervous on my way to the meeting… what if they save up all the naughty things he’s been doing and then spring them on you?  Does he revolt at nap time?  Is the food stealing getting out of hand?  Now that he can walk, is he grabbing toys and carefully toddling off like a drunk little thief?

As I’ve previously suspected, I had nothing to fear.  Jacob still has Teacher Linda C. right where he wants her… in the palm of his hand.   And of course, much to James’ satisfaction, she thinks he “learned” the new belly flop crying from one of his classmates.  She said he imitates everything.  EVERYTHING.  (Tonight he spent 15 minutes trying to open the kitchen cupboards, and the dishwasher, with every key on my keyring.  No, he hasn’t seen me doing this…)

Some of my favorite written comments from teacher Linda C.’s Jacob Evaluation Binder:

September 2009:

* Jake feels insecure when another child approaches him, he needs his “space.”  (The teachers at our school love quotation marks.  Every so often I get a note that says: Jake needs “diapers” and “wipes.”  I’m not quite sure what these quotes are supposed to signify.  Are these code words for something more sinister?)

* Jake enjoys kicking his little legs, over and over. (Yes, that would be Jake.  Ever since he’s had legs.)

March 2009:

* Good eater. (Based on the picture below, this might go down as the understatement of the year.)

* He will toss his head back and forth so teacher will not wipe his nose. (We are all trying to eliminate the booger mustache.)

* He enjoys chewing on books.  (Really, “enjoys”?)

* Excited when caregivers apply sunscreen because he knows it time for outside play.

* Cries when hungry and when in need of his bottle (especially when he sees the bottle).  (Hmmm, never experienced that before…)

The binder is full of all these great pictures of Jake at school.  I can’t believe this one– look at those cheeks!  My little striped bowling ball.  I love the caption: “excited”

Really?  That’s not what I’m getting from this picture… how about “stuffed”?!