The first Tuesday in September Allison woke up early, showered and got dressed in her new back to school outfit, it was time to start her senior year of college. She started the coffee pot and then went to get Everly up while Asher showered.
"Time to get up," Allison smiled, waking up Everly, "it's your first day of school."
"School," Everly smiled, "With you?"
"Not with me," Allison said, "daddy and I are going to take you to school like we did last year. Then when you're done Grandma or Grandpa will pick you up."
"Not with you," Everly asked.
"Not with me you go to your school," Allison said.
"Daddy come," Everly asked.
"Daddy is going to come with me to drop you off," Allison agreed.
"Grandma," Ellie asked.
"Will pick you up at three," Allison replied, "you're going to have lunch at school like a big girl. You get lunch at school, a short nap and physio then grandma will pick you up at 3:30"
"No nap," Everly whined.
"Yes," Allison said, "you have to lie down."
"No sleep," Everly complained.
"You have to lie down," Allison repeated, "but it's your first day of big girl school. Time to get up. Are you wet?"
"Yes," Everly replied, while they were close with the day time potty training Everly still had accidents overnight and slept in diapers.
"Do you want undies or a pull up for school," Allison asked, they had already talked to the school that Everly needed to be taken to the washroom every hour on the hour and was in the process of training and they had been promised the special education assistants would support Everly as she learned to use the washroom and help clean her up if there were accidents.
Allison got Everly out of bed and cleaned her up before putting her in her big girl underwear and new black tights and letting Everly put on her purple dress and sweater by herself. Allison put Everly's braces on and passed her her crutches.
"I'm hungry," Everly said.
"Do you want frozen waffles," Asher asked.
"Granma waffles," Everly said.
"Not today her and Grandpa got home from California late," Allison said.
"Boo berries," Everly asked.
"We can have blueberries," Allison agreed.
They got ready for the day.
Allison and Everly stood together on the front porch for Asher to take their back to school picture.
Owen came out on the porch, "it's your first day of preschool Ev are you excited?"
"Mommys school," Everly said.
"No you go to your school and mommy goes to her school," Owen said, "you look very pretty for your first day."
"Happy first day of school," Teddy smiled, joining them.
"Mom she's going to preschool," Allison said, "my baby is growing up."
"She is," Teddy answered.
"And she's going to have a great day," Owen assured.
"Is school fun," Everly asked for the millionth time.
"You are going to have so much fun," Owen assured.
"It will be a good day princess," Asher assured.
"We should go," Allison said.
"Can I take a picture first," Teddy asked.
"Quickly," Allison agreed.
Allison and Everly posed for a quick photo.
"Two cars," Owen asked as Allison buckled Everly into her car while Asher grabbed his tool bag and walked to his truck.
"Allie has to go to school and I'm going into work late," Asher said.
"Busy day," Teddy said.
"It is," Allison agreed, "mom it's your day off. My class ends at 4 but Ev gets out of school at three thirty. Are you still okay to pick her up?"
"I was planning on it," Teddy said, "we'll have fun. You'll be home by 5?"
"Hopefully," Allison said, "I need to get my lab books from the book store."
"We're going to Annie's tonight for dinner are you going," Teddy asked.
"The first day of school BBQ," Allison said, "we'll be there."
"We will meet you there," Teddy said, "Annie wants me there at 4. Is it okay if I take Ev then?"
"That's okay," Allison said, "she's happy at Annies. Her chair is in the garage if you want to take it. She might be tired after school all day and it helps."
"We'll carry her," Teddy said, "it's no big deal. She's happy being carried but I know you have the wheel chair to build independence."
"And it's actually easier in public then her stroller," Allison said.
"I know it is," Teddy agreed, "go have a good day. Last year of college baby girl."
"I know," Allison smiled.
Allison and Asher met back up in front of Everly's school.
"Crutches or walker," Allison asked.
"Crutches," Everly said.
Allison got the crutches and lifted Everly out of the car, Asher grabbed the walker from the back of the car and carried it into the school as Everly made her way inside.
"Allison," Trianne called.
"Everly look Talia is here," Allison pointed out.
"How was your summer," Allison asked the other mom.
"Good,' Trianne said, "yours?"
"Hectic," Allison said.
"Did you go away," Trianne asked.
"Not this year," Allison said, "a couple weekends at the cabin but that's only at Baker. You?"
"We went to my parents in Florida," Trianne said, "which class is Everly in?"
"She has Ms Younger," Allison said, "Talia?"
"Ms Younger," Trianne said, "she's been teaching a long time."
"She taught me in kindergarten," Allison said.
"Did she really," Trianne asked.
"She did it like was her first year teaching," Allison smiled.
"Mommy school," Everly asked.
"Let's go sign you in," Allison agreed, "you met Ms Younger last week."
They signed Everly into class and she made her way to the house centre.
"Tea party," Everly asked.
"We have a couple minutes for a tea party," Asher agreed.
"Mr and Mrs Blouin," Ms Younger greeted.
"Can we stay for a few minutes so she settles," Allison asked.
"You can," Ms Younger agreed.
Allison and Asher stayed with Everly for a few minutes before she began to play with another little girl, the SEA assigned to Everly and Talia stood nearby encouraging Talia who was shy to join an activity.
"Goodbye princess," Asher said giving Everly a hug, after her orientation the week before Everly was happy and comfortable in the classroom and going to the school the previous year for early intervention had helped.
"Bye baby girl," Allison smiled, giving Everly a kiss on the cheek.
"Bye bye," Everly waved at her parents with a huge smile.
They walked out to their cars, "she's okay?"
"She's okay," Asher assured Allison.
"She likes other kids," Allison smiled.
"She does," Asher agreed.
"And Heather is in 3rd down the hall," Allison said.
"She is," Asher said, "but the 5th graders do big buddies don't they."
"No, the third graders get preschool buddies," Allison answered, "I emailed asking if Ms Younger could pair Everly with Heather.'
"You played the cousin card," Asher asked.
"No I played the CP card and that Heather knows Ev and how she moves and how to help her," Allison said, "but I have to get to class."
"I know you do," Asher said, "have a good day babe."
Allison gave him a quick kiss, "you too. Don't work too late."
"I'll try not to," Asher agreed.
Allison walked into her first class of the school year and sat down with a friend.
"You're cutting it close," Xyuan said.
"I know," Allison said, "I thought I'd be late."
"Where were you," Xyuan asked.
"Everly started preschool this morning," Allison said, "she hardly noticed us leaving. She's not my baby anymore."
"She's still your baby," Lauren said.
"I know she's three," Allison said.
"I've seen you here or out but never in mommy mode," Xyuan said.
"You haven't met Everly," Lauren said.
"No," Xyuan said, "what's up with that Allie?"
"I don't know," Allison said, "we're doing dinner with you and Ethan on Saturday. Why don't you come over instead of us going out."
"Everly," Xyuan asked.
"Will be fine with Miss Xyuan and Mr Ethan," Allison said.
"But Ava is auntie Ava," Lauren pointed out.
"Ava and I have been friends since elementary school," Allison said, "she's one of only a couple friends who stuck by me when I got pregnant in 12th grade. Ava was one of the first people to meet Everly as a new born. She's always been part of our lives."
"So she's in your wedding," Xyuan asked.
"She's my maid of honour," Allison said.
"Do you have plans tonight," Lauren asked.
"We do," Allison said, "Annie does this back to school BBQ every year on the first day of school and she's going to be a mess because her oldest starts college today.'
"Who's Annie,' Xyuan asked.
"My older sister," Allison said, "we're 25 years appart."
"How," Xyuan pressed.
"Mom was 21 when Annie was born and 46 with me," Allison replied.
That afternoon Teddy stood with Annie in Annie's kitchen a sleepy Everly in Teddy's arms her head on Teddy's shoulder.
"Don't fall asleep," Teddy whispered to Everly.
"Grama," Everly mumbelled.
"Yes sweet pea," Teddy asked.
"Story please," Everly asked.
"I can read you a story," Teddy agreed, adjusting the little one and rubbing her back.
"No braces," Everly asked.
"Are your legs sore," Teddy asked.
Everly nodded into Teddy's shoulder.
"Why don't you lay down on the couch and watch a movie for a bit," Annie suggested.
"She'll fall asleep and I don't want her to," Teddy said, "Allison will not be happy if we let her nap so late."
"She clearly needs it," Annie said, "mama she's exhausted. Put her down for a nap."
"That's why I'm going to cuddle her and read to her and take off her braces," Teddy said, "your sister is really clear no naps after 3:30 or Everly won't go to bed at 7:30. She's tired from her first day of school but she just needs to be held and do calm things."
"Mama," Annie argued, 'how will Allie even know."
"No," Teddy said, "let your sister parent her daughter. You parent yours your way, she does it her way with Everly. Annie Allison is a good parent, you don't need to take over for your sister."
"Four," Annie argued.
"She knows Everly best," Teddy replied, "I see Ev every day. Annie trust your sister Allison is an adult. She's a great parent trust her. You are not the only one who knows how to parent. Stop pulling the four kids card and the age card."
"A week ago she was fighting with Ellie and Cat," Annie replied.
"That's called being 21," Teddy shrugged.
"I tired," Everly whined
"I know princess," Teddy soothed, "we're going to go cuddle on the couch and read a story. I'll take your braces off for a bit and give your legs a break. Your school didn't take them off for your nap time and you didn't sleep."
"She hasn't had a nap," Annie asked, "mama let her sleep."
"She goes down now she's out for the night then up at 5," Teddy said, "I'll just snuggle her and we can rest. I told the school she won't sleep with her braces on."
Teddy found a couple picture books where Annie kept some for when Everly and Khitam came over and sat on the couch. She took off Everly's shoes and braces and helped her lie on her stomach on the couch to massage her legs.
"Is that better," Teddy asked.
Everly nodded.
"Can you come over or do you want me to lift you," Teddy asked.
"I do it," Everly replied, she rolled over and sat up before scooting closer to Teddy.
Teddy lifted Everly into her lap and began to read the first picture book. Everly snuggled in contentedly.
Allison let herself into the house and quickly said hi to Annie before joining Everly and Teddy.
"Mommy," Everly whimpered.
"Where are your braces," Allison asked.
"Granma took then off," Everly whined.
"Were you're legs sore," Allison asked.
Everly nodded and whined, "mommy."
Allison seeing her daughter's face and hearing her tone lifted her into her own lap hodling her tight and kissing her forehead.
"Mommy," Everly cried.
"Shh I've got you," Allison soothed.
"She didn't nap," Teddy replied, "and it was too late by the time we got here to let her so we;ve been snuggling."
"I got the update from her school," Allison said, "they didn't take her shoes or braces off."
Everly continued to whimper in Allison's lap. She stood up and began to sway with Everly in her arms, Allison knew the gently motion had always soothed her daughter.
"Are you hungry," Allison asked, "or sleepy?"
"Sleepy," Everly whined.
"Okay," Allison said, "snuggle with me then we'll go home right after dinner and go to bed."
"Bean," Annie asked.
"She'll go to bed by 7," Allison said, "she's worn out."
"She could lay on the couch and rest," Annie said, "I suggested it to mama."
"No because she'll be out for the night then and up early and get us on a bad cycle," Allison said, "I know her sleep pattern."
"A movie," Annie pressed.
"No," Allison said, "Nee trust me with my daughter. I know what I'm doing."
"Just a suggestion," Annie snapped suddenly defensive.
"I'm her mom," Allison said, " I appreciate your advice and your help but you got to do it your way with yours and make your mistakes. Let me do it my way with my daughter. I know you want to help but not today. I can't today. I can't do the mom guilt and mom shaming today."
"Not trying to shame," Annie said, "you just look tired and stressed."
"It was her first day of preschool," Allison said, "I feel old."
"You feel old Ellie started at UBC today," Annie said.
"Not a competition," Allison hissed.
"Allie breathe," Teddy prompted, "Annie let her raise her daughter her way. You both had a milestone with your kids today. You can fight or celebrate together. You choose but I am not getting in the middle."
Seeing that Everly had settled a bit Allison asked, "how was school? Did you have fun?"
"Yes," Everly said.
"What did you do," Allison asked.
"Dollies and outside," Everly smiled.
'Did you play outside," Allison asked.
Everly nodded, "bubbles."
"Oh you like bubbles," Allison smiled, "did you read a story."
Everly nodded.
"Mama has she been to the bathroom," Allison asked seeing it was nearly 5.
"We went at 4 when we got here and I took her at 3:30 before we left school," Teddy said, "she went at 3:30 but not at 4."
"Lets try," Allison said, "come on Ev lets go use the potty before dinner."
Allison walked towards the downstairs bathroom with her daughter.
"You're having a hard time with Ellie not being here," Teddy said to Annie.
Annie nodded.
"It's hard," Teddy said, "knowing it's her first day of school and you're not there. When Leo went it was hard."
"I don't have little kids anymore," Annie said, "I'm not mommy. They don't need me."
"They do," Teddy assured, "Annie let them grow up and show you how amazing they are. You and Josh have done a good job."
"I don't want them to," Annie said.
"They do whether you want them to or not," Teddy said, "Annie celebrate it. Ellie is independent, she's ready."
"I miss her," Annie whispered.
"I know you do," Teddy said, "have you heard anything?"
"She's sent some pictures," Annie said, "she liked her first class. She got lost and called me she couldn't find main mall. Or Buchanan or the Chemistry Building so she called me every time because 'dad is useless' . She liked her first day."
"See she's okay Annie," Teddy replied, "it's hard letting them go. Leaving you in Boston your first year. Leo in LA it's hard. But she has to do it. You got to and have your adventure, so does she."
"I know it's just hard to not make her breakfast and take her picture for the first day of school," Annie said, "knowing she's growing up and doesn't need me as much. That she's an adult even though she's only 17, she's in college in another country."
"Today was hard," Allison said joining them.
"It was," Annie agreed, "Heather is in third."
"I didn't see you," Allison said.
"Josh dropped off," Annie replied, "I took the boys to school. I have college, high school, middle school and elementary school. It's weird."
"Preschool," Allison smiled kissing the top of Everly's head, the little girl was settled on Allison's hip with her head resting against her mom, she was half asleep, but Allison was using her other hand to tickle Everly's feet, a trick that had always kept her awake.
"I have a grand child in each phase of school," Teddy smiled, "Ellie is a college freshman, Matt is in 9th, Henry in 8th and Heather in third with Ev in preschool."
"Ev and Heather's bells being half an hour off is going to be hard," Annie said, "at least it's Heather who gets out first."
"We can start signing Ev out at 3:15," Allison said, "they start getting ready to go then from early intervention. But Monday, Wednesday and Friday she's done at 12:30. The early intervention part is just physio and OT on her long days. She doesn't need academic or speech intervention that we know of."
"No," Annie said, "she usually speaks clearly and well. When she whines and is hard to understand she's tired or in pain."
"You can always hear it in her voice before she cries or it's really bad," Allison said, "I wonder about academics because I haven't put a ton of time on the academic skills. We've focused on her movement and self care all of the PT and OT."
"You read to her," Annie said, "she draws and colours."
"She plays pretend, we did puzzles on the weekend and she can do it," Teddy said, "she's on track."
"She doesn't know all her letter sounds," Allison said.
"She's three," Annie said, "I worried when mine didn't and grandmere told me they're not supposed to at 3. That's for kindergarten or grade 1. She can write her name. She knows her first and last name and your names. She's good. She's doing better than a lot of three year olds I see."
"How was Ellie's first day," Allison asked, "she hasn't texted me back."
"Hectic," Annie smiled, "she got lost a few times but I was able to help her navigate."
"Tell her to text me," Allison said.
"I will," Annie said, "how's Ev?"
"Tired," Everly yawned.
"Dinner then we'll go home for an early to bed night," Allison assured.
"Is Asher coming," Annie asked.
"No," Allison said, "he wanted to but he went into work late and they're behind on a huge deadline for Friday, they'll work until it's too dark."
"The burgers should be almost done," Annie said, "do you want to go home?"
"We'll eat," Allison said, "but I think she's in my lap today."
"I have her booster seat," Annie said.
"We'll try but I doubt it," Allison said, "mama how was she when you picked her up?"
"Tired but happy," Teddy said, "we've had lots of cuddles."
They had dinner together before Allison took Everly home.
"Allie left fast," Josh commented.
"Ev was falling asleep and they like to have her in her own bed," Annie replied.
"Ours we let sleep on your parents couch when they were like that," Josh said.
"They also went to daycare by one," Annie said, "yes I went in and nursed them when I could and you went to play with and snuggle but they were in daycare. Everly hasn't been to daycare."
"Why," Josh asked.
"Cost," Annie replied, "they live off an apprentice electrician's wages. They have one income. Allie is in school and has been home with Ev a lot, we all babysit and take our days with Ev."
"Have you heard from El," Josh asked.
"Not since she got lost," Annie replied, "we will soon. She'll call me before bed. She always does when she's away or we're away."
"I don't like this," Josh complained.
"Mama and I talked about it while you we're BBQing,' Annie said, "it's hard for us but it's exciting."
"It is," Josh agreed, "I miss her."
"So do I," Annie said, "but I meet with Heather's teacher tomorrow."
"Already," Josh asked.
"She's reading at beginning of second," Annie replied, "she grabbed me at pick up today."
"When," Josh asked.
"Online meeting at 3:00," Annie replied, "I have a gap between surgery and rounds."
"When were you going to tell me," Josh asked.
"After the kids were in bed," Annie replied, "are we pushing for testing?"
"Your dad said to last spring and the school didn't do anything about it," Josh said.
"We can go private," Annie replied, "it's not cheap but insurance will cover most."
"How much," Josh asked.
"Eight grand for a private psyched," Annie replied.
"Book it," Josh replied, "we can afford it."
"I'm wondering if she's dyslexic," Annie said.
"Then lets get her tested and help," Josh said.
"God your mom," Annie groaned, "she already thinks we messed up with the boys ADHD."
"Ignore my mom," Josh said, "what about your dad?"
"Dad will be supportive he understands," Annie said, "it's what he did."
"My mom comes this weekend," Josh said.
"I know," Annie replied, "it's her birthday."
"I wish my dad could see all of this," Josh said.
"I know," Annie smiled, "I wish Ian could see it two. Your dad would be proud of you."
"I hope so," Josh said.
"Four kids, married almost 20 years, running your department," Annie said, "we built a life together."
"We did," Josh said, "he never got to."
"But he's at peace and at rest now," Annie said, "I miss him two."
"I just wish he knew the kids," Josh said, "he hardly even got to know Ellie."
"I know," Annie said, "I wish he had two. But they can know your mom."
"I don't want them to," Josh said, "twice a year is enough. Until she stops drinking and smoking she can't be around them more often and will never be alone with them."
"We won't leave the kids alone with your mom," Annie assured, "we should clean up though and pack lunches."
"I'll clean you do lunches," Josh said.
"Five," Annie said, "just 5 lunches not 6. I need to learn that. I've been doing 6 for 7 or 8 years."
"Don't make Ellie one," Josh teased.
Annie took the five lunch kits out of the cupboard and began packing lunches for her family the next day. She liked to do it after dinner so she could pack any leftovers, starting with herself and Josh for left overs as the kids didn't love them then making the kids favourite wraps and sandwiches. This let her do her big kitchen clean up for the day all in one go and to have lunches ready for everyone if she happened to be called into work overnight.