Hello Kindergarten!

On Tuesday, July 31st, Preston started Kindergarten.   KINDERGARTEN!!! 
(Wasn't he just Gavin's age?!)

The day before school started, I took him to his "Sneak a Peek" at school. It was an opportunity to meet his teacher, get familiar with the classroom and meet some of his classmates. The week before school started, his teacher sent out a letter and a postcard to each of the students.    Preston LOVES getting mail, so she was instantly "awesome" in his book!  Then, on the "sneak a peek" day, she had a classroom treasure hunt and the kids received a "Cool Kindergartner" band, a book from the "David Goes to School" series and a few special treasures to remind them of important things about themselves and their experiences.  She also had a few things to make the parents comfortable and prepared. There were so many thoughtful little touches - - I could tell we would like her right away!

His morning consisted of a healthy breakfast on the special red plate. (We received our red plate from our dear, former neighbors, Paloma and Julio. At the time, I didn't know about the "red plate" tradition. I loved the idea so much we decided to implement it in our family. The fact that our plate is from people who are special to us makes the tradition even more fun.)

Nana and Papa drove two hours to be at our house to send him off on his first day. They were also here to help with Gracie and Gavin so that John and I could take Preston together. Later, they watched Gavin while John and I took Gracie for a classroom visit and meeting. (She can't actually start school until we establish nursing... which is another story.)

During the obligatory "first day" photos, John made him laugh. Love these...

And then Nana took one of our special boy with both his parents...

And then we were off to school. His teacher met us at the door and let the late bird kids know where their lunches, snacks and "completed work" belong. Then, with a quick kiss and hug goodbye, our boy confidently walked into the classroom, put his backpack into his cubby and walked over to his seat at the table and sat down. Just like that.

He had a great day and came home with more treasures that helped spark so many conversations about his first day.

The rest of the week went off without too many hitches... for him, anyway!  I, on the other hand, had some "heart-crunchy" moments. (Thanks for that term, Hannah!  It's a perfect description!)

On Wednesday, I walked in with Preston (pushing Gavin and Gracie in our double stroller) and waited in line on the playground.   He tried striking up a conversation with a boy in his class - - asked if he wanted to play at recess, got shot down completely and was told by the little boy that he was going to play with his friend in a different class. Preston just stood there, taking in the conversation and looking deflated.  I stood there, blinking back the tears that were stinging my eyes behind my sunglasses.  Preston looked at me with a bummed expression and I gently said that maybe his classmate could introduce him to the other friend if he asked.  He just shook his head.  I went home and cried, feeling so sad that my boy was experiencing the pains of growing up (knowing full-well that these lessons are necessary, but still not happy that he could have been hurt by the rejection). As the kids walked in their line to class and the parents filed out of the gate, I heard him kindly remind that same little boy that they're supposed to walk on the line, not next to it. I was proud of my little leader and the fact that he wasn't phased by the conversation that had occurred just minutes before.

On Thursday, he asked if he could walk in through the gate to his classroom by himself. I let him... because I know how independent he is and wants to be, but stayed where I could watch him go in... proud and sad at the same time.  Again, heart-crunchy.  (I have not let him walk to his room alone again... even though he keeps asking.  I know he is capable, but I am not ready!)  When I picked him up Thursday, he said it had been, "The best day ever!"  I asked what made it so great and he said that he played with the very same boy from Wednesday morning's encounter (and his friend from another class).  So cute.  And I was worried about what, exactly?!

We have now completed the second week of kindergarten and, by all accounts, everything is going great!  He was "Coyote of the Day" on Monday and on Wednesday, I attended his "Back to School Night" and got a good picture of the class structure and how his teacher runs things.   She showed this video...  which served to solidify all the things I was already liking about her.

As many who know him well predicted, Preston has adjusted to our move and to kindergarten very well.  I am so excited to see how he grows and changes as he begins his elementary school career... though I am in no rush and still wish life had a "pause" button!