Music to My Ears

This morning, I attended my first ever parent-teacher conference.  I consider this as much of a rite of passage for me as Kallie's first day of school was for her.  I can finally consider myself a real mom.  (Does anyone else have vague memories of Pinnochio associated with that phrase?)  I know that someday, it may become a mundane annoyance.  But I was actually looking forward to this event.

To preface this, I will say that I know Kallie is a good kid.  And while I think that she is incredibly smart and darling, I am her mother.  Every mother--especially one charting untested waters in parenthood--thinks her child is the smartest, most brilliant child on the face of the planet.  However, knowing this maternal tendency, I have come to realize that my opinion of my child may not be viewed as valid in some circles. 

In the past 2(ish) months since Kallie has started school, I have had my concerns about her social and educational development.  As talkative and expressive as my child is, she is somehow nearly mute on the details of her educational experience so far.  So, I have been left wondering what kind of person she is at school, among her friends, while I'm not there.

I'm happy to report that, according to her teacher, Mrs. R, Kallie is "every teacher's dream."  She is excelling well beyond grade level in every subject.  Mrs. R has been impressed with Kallie's very well-adjusted social skills, as well as Kallie's ability to show initiative, responsibility, and always being on task.  (Whose kid is she?  I always got in trouble for talking too much!)  I could not have asked for a better initiatory parent-teacher conference. 

Oh, as for me?  My real mom world will start unfolding a little more in January.  That's when I get to start helping in the classroom!