Anna started preschool today. You heard me right. She is in preschool. Where has the time gone? This means that there will be 7 hours a week where all 3 of my children are in school. And I will be home, alone, in the quiet. Part of me is thrilled for the free time and the prospect of getting many projects accomplished, and not having to answer questions or clean up messes. But part of me feels a wee bit trepidation, knowing that my kids are growing up way too fast. But, with all things in life, you just take a deep breath and carry on. {sigh}
Anna was so excited to go to school today. We got her ready and all pink-da-fied. Outside the school she did not want to pause to take a picture by the pretty flowers, she said, "no mom, I just want to go inside." Inside there was a little bit of clinginess - she wanted to hold my hand as we walked to her classroom. I pointed out some toys that we also have at home and she went right to them. I think it was a welcome distraction - something to do, something to occupy her hands & attention when she just wasn't sure about this new environment and how to act. I could tell she was pretty excited, but she was holding it all in trying to gauge the situation.
And one of my all-time favorite preschool moments (this is our 5th year at this preschool) . . .
when they emerge from the doors on the first day of school, lots of ooo's and ahhh's from the moms waiting outside, and these little 3 & 4 year old kids climb up the big stairs, all on their own, to greet you. It feels like a big kid moment. Just so cute.
It sounds like she had a great day. She told me about their snack, the toys she played with, told me in detail the story they read today (The Kissing Hand), how many times she used the bathroom, . . . . wow! Sooo much more info than I ever got out of the boys, and most of it was unsolicited. I asked her about the other kids in her class and this is the conversation we had.
Anna: There was one girl who was angry. (Laughing) Oh, and there was a boy who was sad for his mom! (still laughing)
Me: Is that silly that he was sad for his mom?
Anna: Yes, it was so silly!
Me: Did you miss me today?
Anna: Nooo!!!
Me: What?! Not even a little? Did you miss me a tiny bit?
Anna: No!! So silly mom!
Me: Well I missed you today. And that's okay if you don't miss me. I want you to be happy and have fun and meet friends and learn new things.
Anna: How about the next day I will miss you just a tiny bit.
Me: Okay, that sounds good to me.
She sounds pretty well-adjusted to me. :)
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So, are you wondering what I did during my 2 1/2 kid-free hours today?
Well, I got my toes looking all pretty with my birthday buddy. Sheila and I share the same birthday and we've been celebrating with pedicures together for the past 3 or 4 years.
But before that I spent the morning sipping a mango smoothie with a tiny umbrella, enjoying delectable coconut cupcakes, wake-boarding (not in my swimsuit), and getting in a tropical mood with good friends all around. (The perfect company to be around when you want to look like a dork).
How lucky am I?! My girlies planned a wonderful (early) birthday breakfast party for me. You know this year is a big one, right? I'm just smiling looking at all the pictures and feeling all warm & fuzzy inside. Ahhh . . . thanks ladies! Go to Sheila's blog to read and see more about it.