(Yes, I know... not a very "toddler friendly" backpack! The Caillou one I ordered online was way too small for all his stuff! We are working on getting something much cooler!)
This day has been several months in the making with lots of tours at various programs, lots of disappointment (apparently my standards are high) and then, finally, with the help of another local mom, I was introduced to Preston's new school. When it was described to me, I was hopeful. When I toured with him last month, I knew it was exactly what we'd been looking for.
And, we were so excited for him! But when we drove away, I felt like a part of me was missing. I was nervous for him and was almost sick to my stomach with anxiety for the better part of an hour. When I called later to check on him, I was told that he cried for us for over 30 minutes about 20 minutes after we left. (Dagger, meet my mamaheart. Ouch.) I know it's normal, but it hurt and made me sad.
He had a few more emotional moments throughout the day, but for the most part, had a lot of fun. When we picked him up, I could see he had been crying recently. His eyes lit up and he squealed with excitement when he saw me, then John and then "Neener." He was really happy to see us. His teacher was wonderful and she told me how they comforted him and reassured him that we were, indeed, coming back for him. Thankfully, he said he had fun and that he was excited to go back on Friday. He chatted all the way home about his school day, his new friend "Timmy," and said he played and prayed. Soooo cute. Fingers crossed for fewer tears and more smiles on Friday!
He will attend an "odd" schedule of Tuesdays and Fridays... it is so kind of the school director to be flexible and work around therapy appointments for Gracie (thus, eliminating Preston having to attend and/or ride in the car for over three hours on those days). The other (huge!) bonus is that John is off most Tuesdays. When we got in the car after dropping Preston off this morning, it was the first time that we'd been together (with the exception of his graduation party last year, which doesn't count because he was too stressed out to be recognized!) without at least one of our children in eighteen and a half months. It was wonderful and strange all at the same time. We are looking forward to our few hours on Tuesdays so much. On Fridays, I will have some time to myself and time to get chores done around the house... with my music blasting and no guilt for having Preston watch a video while I get it all done!
My little man is in preschool... such a big boy now... sigh.
6 comments:
Fingers crossed for ya'll for a non teary big smile day on Friday! That is so cool that you will be able to spend some time together on Tuesday's and blast your music on Friday's without feeling a bit guilty! I definitely agree with the sigh... as my twins (my babies) are such big boys now too!
Kim
Preston - you look so grown up! I love thinking about you at school - laughing, exploring, thinking, creating - you are a teacher's dream student with your inherent joy and kind heart!
K, it sounds like Preston is in nurturing and loving hands - which is why your gut knew you had found the place for your sweet boy. So excited for all of you, for so many reasons.
There really is nothing like an awesome school that your child loves!
BTW, I am so curious about your chosen tunes that you blast while doing chores :-). Care to share a playlist?
Poor little man, my Bailey cried his 1st few days as well. Its all good tho, for him and mama.
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva
Wow, some time alone? With no kids? I wouldn't remember what to do with ourselves! LOL
He does look excited. I hope he's adjusting well.
Oh my goodness, both kids in school now??!! How nice for a little "alone" time with John and for yourself--but I'm sure very hard on your mamaheart, watching your baby go off to school on his first day! I hope Preston gets used to school quickly. It sounds like a great program, and it sounds like he had a really good time despite the tears.
Will be thinking about you cranking up that music today! A little Black Eyed Peas, maybe? :-)
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