When I grow up I wanna be like Ben

[caption id="attachment_2846" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Ben and his favorite chicken, Chip."][/caption]

So those of you who have not heard, Ben adores kindergarten!!  The first day of riding the bus, Thom described as a bit surreal.  He said it was so strange putting Ben on the bus, essentially filled with strangers.  Ben hesitated before getting on as he realized that Thom would not be going with him.  Then when he boarded the bus, he looked around, wondering where he should sit. 

After his first day, he inquired when he would be allowed to go back to kindergarten.  We told his teacher, Ms. Heummer, that our main goal for Ben this year is to maintain his love for learning and establish a love for school. 

When Ben arrived home after his first day, I inquired if he had played with his great friend, Val, at recess.  He explained that Val was already playing with someone else.  I asked if he found a child to play with and he explained, that no he just played by himself.  Just nonchalantly.  I suddenly wished that I could go to a party and feel ok even if I didn't know anyone.  How freeing it would feel to not feel compelled to "fit in" to find someone to talk with to feel a part of the crowd.  I loved that Ben had absolutely no discomfort in playing by himself when he did not see another child he felt compelled to play with.  I would love to have that kind of confidence and comfort in my own skin. 

Now when I pick Ben up at the bus stop every day, he tells me that he sat by a friend.  Some days it takes him longer to deboard the bus because he has to make sure to give his new friend a hug before he leaves.