Waiting for baby...

So, I haven't posted in forever, simply because I had been so busy with work and caring for an energized toddler coupled with complete exhaustion!  I have recently gone on maternity leave, which has been great, and have finally been able to tackle my multiple home projects.  Its funny how many things can pile up when you are busy.  Plus, with the new arrival coming very soon, I had to do some organizing and clearing to make room.
As of now (I am due in a week) everything is ready and I have nothing left to do but complain!  Nature has a way of erasing the annoyances of the end of the pregnancy from your mind.  I forgot how miserable I become at his point.  Sleep is a joke, my energy has left the building, heartburn is constant and the mix of contractions, back pain, and cramping (which tease you that the big day is imminent) are all the culprits!  Also, to add to the mix, I have a super clingy toddler this go round, so everything feels that much more annoying.  As I mentioned before, I am an L&D nurse and I totally get why these women are coming to the hospital constantly, hoping to be in labor.  Alright, my venting is over!

What things did you guys do when waiting for labor to occur?

It's (groan) Back to School time!

It's that time of year again and I have to say, I am not looking forward to it.  I can't stand coming up with cold lunch ideas daily, dealing with the hustle and bustle that goes along with getting children out the door by a certain time, the millions of papers that he brings home, fundraising (it's hard for me to sell things I'm not interested in), and homework.
I have the child that has said almost since day one, "I don't like school!"  Learning, Yes!  School, No! And, with the education system the way it is now, I can't say I can blame him.  School is not what it used to be.  Kids have to take a placement test for kindergarten, I mean, how ridiculous is that?!  He did fine on it, but nowadays if you haven't sent your child to preschool or homeschooled them, they may not be ready for kindergarten.
Children aren't given as much time for recess, gym, lunch or free time.  The curriculum just keeps being added to and I feel bad for the teachers because they aren't allowed to be as creative because their reviews as educators are contingent upon the scores students receive on standardized testing.  My son's first grade teacher once told me that she liked to take her students for a walk in the afternoon, especially during the fall and spring months, so the children could have a break and learn about nature, at the same time...she had to stop because social studies was added to the curriculum and she didn't have time for that anymore.
Anyway, my child is what one might call a kinesthetic learner.  He learns best through "doing."  So, for him having to sit in a chair for hours (literally, the children have multiple reading lessons for 2 1/2 hours) is torture.  Needless to say, the principal and I are on a first name basis.  Our current school system is a horrible fit for HIM.  I say that in caps because it is not a horrible system, there are some great teachers, he goes to gym 3 times a week and music twice a week (our budget has been cut, but not as much as in other systems.)  Private school is not an option at this time, nor is homeschool (been there, done that.)
So, today was the start of another year.  I will continue to be optimistic, like always, that this time will be better and we won't trudge through another year.  This year he's going into the 5th grade and its his last year of elementary school.  I was excited and sad.  The Boy is definitely growing up, as he should, but a part of me wishes I could keep that sweet little boy forever!

Do you look forward to back to school time?  How do you prepare for it?  How was the first day for your children?