Also recently

[Out of the backseat, after a pause in unrelated conversation:] "I don't like cheesecake. Not at all."

[When asked if she wants to make a wish, blowing on a dandelion:] "But why, when they don't always come true?"

Yes, J is grappling with a new, bigger and more complex world. The jury is still out on how school is affecting her. She comes home daily on an adrenaline-like high, almost frenetic. She appears to be over the moon about her classmates, the school itself, and MY GOD, the snacks! Multiple snacks a day! But when asked about what she actually does (besides gym, recess, and eating), I get the typical 5-year-old response. "I don't remember."

Is she too tired to think about it? Does she honestly forget? Does she want to keep it from me, since it's something she's doing out of my watchful control?! I imagine that we'll need another month or so to be sure. As for now, I have glimpsed only snippets of her day, which for me is a shocking change. (Did I mention we still have the little camera in her room so that, at least when it's light enough, I can watch her sleep? I guess that sounds creepier than it is.) I'll hear a song they learned in class as she is showering. K will ask how she liked the hay ride.

"Hay ride?" I inquire.

"Yes, we picked and cleaned the pumpkins, and the little kids come out to the plot and select pumpkins to take back to their classroom." Part of the school property has a giant vegetable garden where kids and parents alike can participate in the growing of food for use in the school cafeteria and for charities. Pretty cool. Anyway, I swung my head around and stared wide-eyed at J. "You had a hay ride and picked pumpkins?!" I daresay I was a bit wounded.

"Yeah!" J replied, gazing distractedly out the window as if she had already told us the story numerous times.

Clearly I am still adjusting to her being gone, but it didn't occur to me that I would have trouble being ignorant of what she does all day. I emailed one of her teachers, asking at least for a general curriculum overview. So far I've heard bubkis. Humph.

As for now - ah, Saturday - she is sitting next to me at her little work desk in the kitchen, drawing up a storm. It's good to have her home.