Aaaaaaaaand we’re back.

So I said I would be here, sharing photos and tidbits, quite a while ago. See, I had this funny idea that once Ethan started school, life would slow down a bit and I would have more time in this space. HA! No one ever prepares you for the life of an involved mother with a child in a school community, even a part-time one, and especially a Waldorf-inspired one. At the same time, what better place to get involved than in such a pedagogical group that honors and protects, vehemently, the rhythm of the home? I’m fortunate to have found a place whose elders speak words of wisdom about balance, a slow and steady pace, and quality over quantity.

I have since become the administrative assistant and web master over at this sweet little school, which includes a lot of hurry-up-wait-slow-down’s as roles and expectations are crafted. I am enjoying, oh so much, my involvement at Garden Gate, from the handwork needs to the Steiner readings to the hand-drawn flyers for publicity — it is all so intentional, soulful, and creative. Even the goodies at the weekly meetings embody this experience of being connected to a living and organic system/organization; goodies like a pot of cardamon tea with a generous helping of crispy nuts, or almond butter and sliced apples. Each meeting is begun and ended with a Steiner verse spoken out loud together, and form drawing exercises to engage us. More times than I can count, I get this inner nudge that confirms the sentiment: I have found my people.

Ethan is likewise in his element. The four hours he spends with his kindergarten teacher and assistant, and group of about 8 other peers, is just the sweetest. He has grown by osmosis in many developmental mile markers in just these last 2 months. His teacher describes him as “so open”, as he takes in the oral-storytelling and Waldorf puppet rendition of the story, later acting it out at the end of the week with his peers, feeling deeply the stories and crafts. Outdoors he leads expeditions around the playground/schoolyard, showing all the younger boys and girls where to find the best bugs. At home Ethan continues to show more and more signs of 1st grade readiness and his 7-year change is definitely upon us. I am enjoying being his mother and feel in many ways like I have my child back, in comparison to the unbounded year of frustration our relationship experienced in Arkansas. Ethan sweet face is always so eager and forward, bright and friendly. Physical developments that I used to worry about when I would observe his “unassimilated” self are beginning to find resolution: he climbs trees constantly, hoola hoops, skips, swings himself, cuts vegetables, folds clothes, and finger knits. Next order of business is to tie his shoes Such important physical developments are indications to me — indications that he is indeed getting what he needs at his age, that is, no media, no academia, no extra anxiety, just the rough and tumble life of a healthy 6 year old boy! I attest through experience that Waldorf education is truly therapeutic — I can see why it is so effective for children with autism and the like. It’s slow, rhythmic, holistic, natural, tactile/experiential approach to early childhood is exactly what the children of this industrialized Western culture so desperately need (and their parents too!)

Verity is warming up to other children at the school in her time there during drop off/pick up, but will likely be home with mama until next Fall (when she’ll be 3.5). Her time with me alone has been very sweet too — we often get her an oatmeal cookie downtown and back at home she nurses and takes a mid-morning nap until its time to get Ethan at 1pm. This has helped her find her own rhythm and to be good and tired for bedtime (8pm). At last she is transitioning a bit from younger toddler to older, as she excepts storytime at night in her own bed next to Ethan, and I sing them to sleep from the rocking chair. Most nights, after I’ve closed the door behind me, there is minimal laughter and whispers and within a few minutes they are both fast asleep and off to dreamland after a full day. Early morning finds Verity paddling through the hall and climbing into my bed to nurse again, which I’m perfectly content to do. Transitions are hard for these little ones. We can ease out of bed sharing, for sure. Besides, I love that feeling of bringing her under the covers, noticing her chilly legs as she tucks them into my thighs to warm up and fall back asleep. She’s still just my baby in those wee hours of the morning.

In other news, I am applying for my Master of Arts in Teaching, hoping to begin classes in January. This venture will bring me full circle to my original undergrad major in Elementary Education, but this time I know my pedagogical interest and my aim is to some day work in a Waldorf methods setting where my own children are being nurtured and educated as well. Who knows what this will look like and when, but for now I am focused on accomplishing the training to open such doors. Since moving to Columbia, I have felt inspired to further my education (this is a very educated little college town!) and to challenge myself intellectually. I’m grateful to be dwelving deeper into Waldorf education in particular because of the emphasis on whole person (truly) rather than merely the intellect. The ideal is that the mind, soul, spirit, and body work together to progress the human experience and this is something I can get behind, not just for my goals with my children but for my personal, and even societal/communal ambitions.

It’s an exciting time for the Ortecho’s. Stay tuned…