Maturing Every Day!

I think I posted about Riley all of the sudden speaking in complete sentences before, but it was funny b/c Kelly and I had that conversation and the next day when he picked Riley up - his teacher Ms. Dina said the same thing! She was like it all just started clicking over night! I'm sure you've all heard this soap box enough, but he's the YOUNGEST one in his class! So the fact that it's just now clicking for him is probably exactly when it should be! Every kid in his class except 1 other boy is already 3, and 6 months of age difference between 2.5 and 3 is A LOT! Anyway, it's amazing to watch him grow and take in the world. It's even more amazing to see his different reactions to things we all take for granted. 

We also had another maturity milestone yesterday and today - Monday's are usually the most difficult drop off days b/c he's been home with us all weekend. And when we pulled up, I though this Monday would be no different (of course, I had no time to spare in my haste to get to my usual 1st thing Monday morning meeting with my boss) because when we turned into the school - I heard a little whimper from the back seat. I just said - 'Awe! It'll be fun! You get to go to Chapel and see Ms. Dina and play with all your friends!' And much to my amazement, when we walked into his room 2 of his friends came over to give him hugs! So sweet! It was funny though! He totally let John give him a hug, then stepped back and waved and said 'Hi John'. Then Matthew came over and gave him a BIG bear hug! And Riley stepped back and said 'No Matthew! No touching Riley!' Those two CRACK me UP! They totally have a love/hate relationship! I've seen Riley run give him a hug when Matthew's Dad drops Matthew off after Riley too! 

Anyway, I guess the hug greetings paid off b/c without solicitation - Riley turned around, waved and said 'Bye Mommy! I love you!' I was in a such a state of shock, I almost ran out without saying bye back! I just said 'Bye! I love you! Have a good day!' And he waved and said 'Bye Mommy!' one more time then walked off toward the room! Yippee!!! How could I NOT have a good Monday morning after that?! 

I usually feel like an emotional wreck by the time I get to work! Always running late, then a traumatic, screaming 'No Mommy' drop off! That was a nice change of pace! It also happened again this morning! And he even had a substitute teacher this am, so we're on a ROLL! Fingers crossed this continues! It makes for a much better emotional start to my day!