Today was Avery's very first day of preschool. She is attending a Mother's Day Out program at a local baptist church. Ashlyn went to this preschool when she was 2-3 years old as well. Avery actually has one of the same teachers Ashlyn had. I really love the warm, loving nature of the school and teachers as well as the Christian-based curriculum. Her teachers came to our house last week for the initial meeting. How great is it that all the teachers take the extra time and effort to visit each child in her own home so that the child feels more comfortable and relaxed.
On Friday Avery and I went to parent orientation where she was able to see her classroom and meet the other kiddos .Avery was very excited this morning while getting ready for school. She was all smiles, anxious to get dressed and told me several times, "Le' go, mommy!" As we were walking out the door headed to school she turned to Chris and shouted, "Bye daddy, go school!" She is quite familiar with "school" as she often assisted me last year in chauffeuring Ashlyn to and from school and went with me to several holiday parties and events at Ashlyn's school. And I think she thought this was where she was going this morning. After we dropped Ashlyn off at school in the car pool lane Avery asked me, "Where DeDe?" I told her Ashlyn was at school and she said, "ME!"
Avery seemed equally excited as we drove up to her school. She was ready to get out of the car right away, trying to unbuckle her car seat. She posed for pictures outside the building and then checked out the two playgrounds located on each side of the sidewalk leading up to the door to the church. She remained cheerful until we entered the building, rounded the corner, and she saw 'the' room. She suddenly became a bit clingy and dropped that pretty smile. I entered the classroom but she stayed put in the hallway, not wanting to enter, as if she was saying, "I know what's about to happen here." She eventually made it into the room once given a little encouragement and a slight tug by the arm. I tried to make a quick escape; she began to cry, but her teacher quickly picked her up and consoled her.
I headed straight for the car, probably feeling some of the same feelings Avery was having, including wanting to cry. I became teary eyed but somehow managed to hold back the tears from rolling down my face. It was tough the first time I dropped Ashlyn off at preschool, but she has always been so independent and comfortable in new environments and situations. Avery is a little more timid so I was sad partly because she was upset when I left and I was worried about how she was handling being in a new place with new faces, new routines, everything new. But I was even more sad because Avery starting school and being in someone else's care for several hours means I already have to let go of her a little bit. For my girls to grow, I have to let go of them a little bit at a time. It is extremely hard to do and it is happening extremely too fast!
I couldn't wait to pick her up at 2:00. I kept myself busy grocery shopping and cleaning house from her birthday festivities. Avery saw me as I walked into her classroom and instantly put the biggest smile ever on her face and ran right to me. I was just as excited to see her. Luckily, her teacher let me know Avery only cried for a minute and had a great day after that. She even took a nap on her nap sak, which I was concerned if they were even going to be able to get her to stay put throughout nap time. Avery had a great first day of preschool; let's hope Thursday is just as great.
After I picked her up, we rushed with excitement to pick up Ashlyn from her school. We couldn't wait to see her and hear all about her fun day, too!
In the hallway, unsure if she wants to go into her classroom at drop off
All smiles at pick up time
