Have you ever seen a jaw literally drop?

I have. Today, about 3:05.

It was parent-teacher conference day for Pre-K. Actually, it's tomorrow, but because of our trip, we had to do it today. So in I went after school, to get the report card in which he was scored on his behavior, social skills, etc., as well on what letters and numbers he recognized. I also got a sheet with his homework for next week. Monday involves practicing skipping. Katie can probably handle that one.

Anway, although I haven't blogged on Joseph and pre-school for a while, some of you might remember his initial trepidation. There were not fits, but he was clearly overwhelmed with the sight of Other Kids en masse. Only 12 or so, but that's still en masse to a little boy who refuses to go on the playground at the park if there are more than four children around.

And, it seems, he remains an angel at school He has never once received a "Stop, Think and Plan" card, never gotten into the least bit of trouble. Always, his teacher said, first in line, hands folded, when it's time to line up.

Then I show up.

With baby, of course, who had to be let down on the rug to walk around, because that's what he does now, and our presence inspired Joseph to be..normal. He raced around, knocked the baby down, refused to listen to me, etc.

And the teacher couldn't hide her shock. Well, maybe not "shock" but totally taken aback and really, really surprised.

"Joseph," she said, "This is a side of you I've ...never seen before!"

It was kind of funny - if I hadn't been so aggravated (not only because of his behavior, but because I was thinking about the trip and the fact that I had to go find pink sweats for Katie because her friends had told her she had to be one of the Three Little Pigs with them for Halloween...) I would have found it extremely funny.

Well, if I had my choice: bad at school/good at home...bad at home/good at school...I'd definitely take the latter.

And Christopher was exactly the same way. Well until about fifth grade. And for sure his "being good at school" had ended by seventh grade when his Spanish teacher called and told me he'd asked her in class if she used to be a man.

That my friends, was my #1 Most Humiliating Parental Moment. Far and Away. Hands down.

And of course...he swears he doesn't remember ever doing it.