When I went to pick up Brex yesterday, she wasn't talking to me. I couldn't tell if there was just a lot going on with the other Moms and kids as she kept turning to one of them to talk. I watched the kids and joined in the general conversation, but after a while I jokingly asked, "Are you not talking to me now?"She sighed, "I guess I will. I can't believe you're going to take him away from us! He better get that helmet off before he goes so we can love on him." I assured her he would and then explained the situation to the other Moms.
It is a tough decision, but it feels like the right one.
On a different topic, this weekend we did a double date with Two Mommies from daycare. They brought their little boy over and we had Baby Whisperer from daycare take care of them while we went to see The Hunger Games. I was the only one who'd read the book. When the credits were rolling, Ops Mom said, "Is the book this tense?" I laughed, "It's worse because it's all so mental and you're in their heads."
On the way back to the house, we stopped at a local market and each couple bought a dinner for two. Then we came back and ate dinner while the boys slept upstairs. They are a fun couple. At one point Ops Mom asked, "OTRgirl, is your husband always this quiet?" I laughed and said, "Definitely. In a group setting he is usually quiet and then we leave and he has all these insights and I'm like, 'why didn't you SAY that?'." Jrex also laughed and was ready to answer questions when Ops Mom asked him about his work.
We found out from Ops Mom that there's a PUBLIC Montessori elementary/middle school in our neighborhood. It's one of the top ranked schools in the state. Having gone to a public Montessori myself, I'm ecstatic! I believe deeply in it as a way to allow school to remain fun, engaging, non-boring and self-directed, especially for smart kids. She said it's a bit of a lottery to get in, but given Brex's Asian heritage, we'd likely be guaranteed a spot in the name of diversity. It looks like they have mostly Black and Hispanic kids with 12% Caucasian and 2% Asian. It's pretty cool that we now have two wonderful elementary/middle school options. His neighborhood school has a bilingual immersion program that's supposed to be amazing, and now a public Montessori. My parents made the leap to move to the inner city and trust that God would provide educational options for their kids. Two years before I started elementary school, a public Montessori was founded, so He came through in the nick of time! We also took a leap into this neighborhood not knowing if the schools were very good. (Do I sound excited? Just a bit...)
5 comments:
You are so good with potential conflicts. I would not have thought of the things to say, and the post with the emails to her telling of your decision blew me away. Geez. The next time I need help being diplomatic yet honest and firm, I'm totally hiring you! :)
I can see why they are sad. He's so utterly adorable. I love the pic!
And the school possibilities! Those both sound incredible! I too love the Montessori philosophy, and think it's awesome that it's available as a public school option. Most of the ones I know in our area and where I came from charge high tuition, so a public option is awesome. Makes me wish they'd put a branch up here. Just a few border issues, no biggie. ;)
Love the Montessori! I'm jealous.
Love the baby pic! Your son is such a cutie. I'm glad the transition is going to be less complicated than you'd anticipated. I can see why her comments and behavior would have been a daily challenge though.
My daughter was in a Montessori preschool for a while and loved it. I wish she could have continued on in public school.
I agree with inkling im never so diplomatic!! lol I wish schooling options could be that easy here - we generally have montesouri as pre schooling but only about three in the whole Gauteng area that do primary and high schooling...and they are private and VERY expensive - for us thats about 300 dollars a month. and no were near where we live - were talking about two hours drive away...there really is very little options in terms of types of schooling and for kids with 'issue' like my son - NOTHING!! or at least thats what it feels like. On your post though she does seem like a very high strung kind of person and I can totally understand your comments on having to deal with her for the next few months. I hope she stops being so snippy - it would really put a sour taste on your experience if she continued like that so i hope she doesnt...
Glad you made your decision, and loved the email exchange, nice job OTRgirl! Love the pics of Brex even more.
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