So, yesterday, I made him wear it to school in the morning because it was below 40 degrees. His spring coat just isn't up to par for that kind of weather in my opinion, and we've all been sick. He was pretty upset with me, but put it on, zipped it up and we all trudged off to school.
Before I go any farther, I'll just let you know that he hates the coat because it's too "puffy". And I'll admit, it's a little puffy, but I like to think that's because it's well insulated and keeping him warm.
Anyway, when I picked him up from school he was sans jacket. I let it go. It was 54 degrees and he's an 8 year old boy. He probably was fine. I wasn't, but he probably was. We picked up Lorelei and headed over to where we get our mail. After I retrieve the mail, I ask Caleb where his jacket is because his backpack is certainly not "puffy" enough to be holding it.
His response?
"I lost it at recess."
Blah.
So, after explaining to him why we don't leave our winter jacket lying around....we come to this morning.
I made him wear one of my hoodie-less zip ups underneath his spring coat for the walk to school and we went to the office after dropping off Lorelei at the correct door. I didn't know where lost and found was, so we went into the office. Thankfully, the lady at the desk was feeling chipper and friendly. She directed, and came with us, into the hallway just around the corner where all the misc. coats, boots, shoes, hats, shirts and mittens end up. {It's also where they keep donations of clothes in case a kid needs something mid day to wear.}
No coat.
She mentions that occasionally things found on the playground only make it as far as the cafeteria, but I'll need a pass to go through the building. The only way to get a pass is to leave a valid photo ID in the office, but we walked, so I'm not sporting any ID.
Caleb gets all droopy when I start explaining that he'll need to go to his class, tell his teacher the issue and then go to the cafeteria to hunt for his jacket alone. I think the office lady senses a huge fit about to happen and instead suggests that she escort us to the cafeteria.
Thank goodness for small miracles!
To make this ending short and sweet... Caleb's winter coat was recovered. All is good for now. I think after forcing him to wear the puffy coat for two years, he'll be allowed a new one this year. Then maybe I won't have to fight him so often to put the darn thing on. Hopefully I can find someone his size in need of a really nice coat. With a wash, his is almost mint condition!