Mommy was soooo nervous about Madi's first day of preschool. Would she be nice? Would she have fun? Would she listen and behave? Is she really old enough? Am I pushing her to grow up too fast? Is she truly ready to start her extensive and illustrious career of professional schooling?
We had done a lot of practicing and preschool prep. We role-played raising our hand, sitting still on the rug, listening and following directions and meeting new friends. Last night when I pretended to be a preschool tot and ask Madi her name, she answered with a scary growl. Mommy had some serious second thoughts.
But Madi had a fabulous first day! Mommy cheerfully sang her awake at 8:30 am so she could warm up to the day. She was NOT thrilled with having to comb her hair for school (usually a once a week, Sunday ritual-torture-session...more second thoughts about Madi's volcanic temper exploding on her poor, unsuspecting preschool class). She was also less than enthusiastic about a photoshoot on the front porch. After enduring more of Mom's frustrating delays, we finally piled in to the van for the exciting ride to Mrs. Kent's. After a few verses of "The Wheels on the Bus" we were there! Madi got pretty quiet and wide-eyed as she watched the other kids and parents heading in to her basement classroom. We followed the steps down around the side of the house, underneath a big deck. "I don't know about this...I don't know about this," Madi muttered. "It looks a little spooky down here." But Mrs. Kent greeted us with a smile and Madi and Hannah immediately spotted the shelves full of fun toys, locking in on the Little Pony bucket. Madi was kind of bugged with more annoying pictures when she was in the "zone"--surrounded by NEW toys, treasures, puzzles...heaven! She just wanted bothersome little sis and irritating Mom out of her hair so she barely blinked when we bid our farewells and reminded her to be good and listen to teacher. Blah, blah, blah. Less talking. More playing!
Hannah was devastated as we rolled away. Not so much about parting with big sis, more about leaving all the fun toys and action. I promised her we would have some great Mommy/Hanny time and read lots of books (which turned in to Hanny playing ipad while I edited pics...oops...I'll make it up to you, Hanner...no more short-end-of -the-stick for you, little princess)! Before we knew it, it was time for preschool pick-up!
Madi lit up with a sparkly smile and excited, "Mommy!" when we peeked in to retrieve her. She was all smiles as her teacher told me she had been GREAT--cutting, coloring, etc. I asked if she listened, followed directions and stopped playing toys to come sit when she was supposed to. Mrs. Kent assured me there were no problems (let's hope she wasn't sugar coating it for me). I was relieved!
On our way out, I crouched down to congratulate Madi on being so fabulous. I gave her a big hug on the lawn and she began to gush, "That was fun, ya know?!? (tapping me on the shoulder). There were like a million kids! I painted with a thousand colors. The school had a caterpillar sleeping and it's gonna turn into a butterfly!"
SUCCESS! She was all-aglow with the excitement and joy of learning. Such a hoot. Day one of preschool--check! Next step, world domination!!!
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| Ummm...the sign says "First Day of Preschool" It was real cute. You're just gonna have to trust me. |
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| YAWN! 9:00 in the morning. Way too early for this little "threenager." Pictures are such a bore. Nobody got no time for dat! She crossed her arms and starting tapping her toes at me. Pretty saucy. Just ready to get the heck outta there & on her way! |
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| LOVE the 70's shag carpet and rustic, log-cabin feel of this cute basement preschool. Wide-eyed Madi...toy heaven...OVERLOAD! |
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| PONIES!!! |
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| Hanny gives Madi some final prepping & primping with a toy comb she found. Hanny knows how important a first impression is! I got your back/curly mop, Big Sis! |
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| MRS. KENT! Love Madi's expression...thinking, thinking, a bit nervous...computing, processing. I was thrilled to see her sparkly smile when I picked her up...verdict in...LOVED IT!!! |
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A boogery, teary, heart-broken Hannah watched the fun roll by her window as we drove away.
So not fair! |
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| Two-year-olds get no respect! |
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| just. the. pits. |
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| Awww, so dang pitiful..."Bleeding Hearts of the World UNITE" -The Grinch |
P.S. Aunt Kellie--did you perhaps notice that both girls are clothed entirely from head to toe in Kels & Claire's gorgeous hand-me-downs! THANK YOU!!! LOVE YOU!!!
