Hello Preschool!

Today was Jenna's first day of preschool. As we were driving to her school, I was second guessing my decision to put her into the school that I did. Jenna kept talking about Alex's last preschool, the preschool she knew, the preschool she was comfortable with. I was upset with myself for basing my decision on what was convenient and easiest for me and not thinking about where Jenna would be most comfortable. Even though Alex spent a year at this preschool, also, Jenna was only two years old and really has no memory of it, or so I thought. But when we went inside, she knew where to go to hang up her back pack and she walked right to the boys bathroom, where we went with Alex, so I knew she had at least a vague memory of the place. After redirecting her to the girls bathroom, my apprehension eased a bit. We knew Jenna was a bit scared, but she was also very excited to finally be going to school just like Alex. We walked her into her classroom, gave our hugs and kisses and walked out. And I was fine. No tears, no second-thoughts, no fears that she was going to have a horrible time. It is nicer this way. It is easier this way. I think it is because I have now been through this with Alex and I know the school. I know the teachers. I know the program. I am comfortable with it all. The two and half hours flew by and before I knew it, I was unsticking the "magic glue" from Jenna with a tap of my hand on her head and she was back in my arms - all smiles and telling me that she had so much fun! I decided a special treat was in order and after some time running down the hill, we went for some ice-cream. Yes, it was lunch time, but some days deserve ice-cream for lunch and this was definitely one of them. When we sat down to eat Jenna said, "OK, now let me tell you about my day." I heard about the boy in the green shirt with the stripe and the number 3 that she played with. I heard about applesauce and milk for snack. I heard about criss-cross applesauce while listening to Polar Bear, Polar Bear. I heard about the trucks and big mountain she played with and about how she wanted to play with the baby dolls but that area was always really crowded. I heard about the girl in her class that cried and cried because she wanted her mommy and how Jenna did NOT cry. And I heard about her favorite part of the day, playing outside and how she climbed on top of the monkey bars. I am so proud and so very happy for Jenna to have something of her own - to be able to see her become her own self, without the shadow of her big brother looming over her. I think she is going to have a great year! You go my girly girl!!