First Day of Preschool - What a BIG Boy!

Benjamin had his very first day of preschool on Thursday! He is attending Altus Christian Academy's 2 day 3 year old pre-K program. He goes to school for 3 hours from 8-11am every Tuesday and Thursday with 13 other sweet "big" boys and girls. His teacher is Mrs. Wood and the assistant is Miss Wanda. They are both lovely, and very good with my precious little guy! I went to 2 parent-teacher orientations (at which I grilled them on everything from how they handle discipline to their curriculum and daily schedule) and took Benjamin to a meet the teacher day (at which both teachers performed very well :)). I also spoke to every parent I could find who has sent their children there and/or knows the teachers personally, read all the materials I could get my hands on, stopped by with a question numerous times and made sure to peek into the room numerous times the first day... so I'm feeling pretty informed about it all and slightly more comfortable. This is my first baby going to his first school experience, so I think I'm doing about as well as expected!

Benjamin looked so cute in his uniform and was very excited to carry his new backpack on his shoulders! He actually walked right into his room. After we hung up his backpack and greeted his teachers, he turned to give me a hug and kiss good bye. He was eager to see his friends and after a little encouragement quickly paired up with one of his buddies Michael Ratliff. Sure, they just sort of stood shoulder to shoulder and took survey of the room, but at least they had each other :)

Right before I left he casually said, "Mom, where are you going to be while I'm here?"

To which I answered, "I'm just going across the parking lot to Starbucks to get a drink sweetheart, I'll be back soon to pick you up when you're finished."

"NO! You wait right outside in the car!" was his slightly anxious reply :)

"OK, buddy. I love you, I'll see you soon, *kiss*."

"Love you too, see you soon, *kiss*!"

Then I did actually go to Starbucks (which is a whole 10 seconds across the parking lot) to visit with some other mommies in the same position. Then it was off to get a pedicure (another 30 seconds away) before returning to the school to wait for pick up!

Benjamin ran out happy and gave us the biggest hugs and kisses! I asked him if he had fun, and he said yes! Then Daddy put him in the car while I checked in with his teacher. She also said he had a great day, although he got a little sand in his eye on the playground. But it was an all around very good first day of preschool!

Over the rest of the weekend, Ben gave me lots more details at random times when certain memories or thoughts came to him. I learned who the bully was :) and how Ben and the teacher handled a little pushing incident. I learned many of the teacher's rules and who cried :) And through it all, Ben said he liked his teachers and did want to go back... all good signs. I'm so glad he confides in me so well!!!

I guess we'll try again next week, and hopefully I'll be a lot more brave :)

Here are some photos from this big event:

At least wait until I'm dressed Daaaaaaaad! :)
Looking good in my new uniform! Getting a good start with a special breakfast.
So excited for my front porch, first day of school picture! Check out my big boy backpack!!!

Running to the minivan, let's go! And now running to the room! You think he's at least wait for mom, if not cling just slightly to my hand to make me feel better :)

Part of his room. They have dramatic play areas, house keeping areas, truck and dinosaur areas, manipulative's, puzzles, books (along with a cozy reading corner), an arts and crafts center, cute little tables with chairs identified by the child's name written on a specific colored shape (Ben is a blue rectangle), and circle time area and more! Including an outdoor playground and an indoor activity room.

I couldn't resist getting a shot of his name labeling his spot for circle time where they pray, sing songs, learn basic skills and hear stories!

Dearest Ben,

I can't believe you're already big enough to go to preschool. I'm so excited for you and love to watch how you are happily and eagerly diving into this next big adventure! When you become a parent you will understand how much your emotions can counter each other when it comes to your children. I'm excited but anxious, eager but wary, proud but protective, think it's important to encourage independence and to learn to let go (just a little :))... while at the same time I am fiercely protective of our family unit and will hold on tight to our precious and very close relationship! I spend equal time encouraging and praying for you as I do holding on tight and kissing and hugging you! It doesn't matter that it's only 6 hours a week and that I'm already the room mom, on every volunteer list and a member of the PTF... I still plan on going out of my way to stay informed and involved :) I used to think lots of parenting ideas/issues were odd and blown out of proportion, but now that I'm your mommy - and I love you SOOOO very much - I eagerly explore, research and pray about them all to make sure that I make the best decisions for our family. We've done some great preschool activities together and have another great year planned for stuff at home again. But I think we've come up with a great combination that maximizes our beliefs, values and best interests. It is a little odd being alone for those 3 hours, but I have to admit that I am looking forward to partaking in a few pedicures and watching a morning talk show or two (at least until your baby brother is born :)). We'll both be glad to have many of the house chores and boring errands taken care of quickly too, freeing up more time for the two of us! I also, of course, plan on keeping a close (very close :)), watch on what is going on during all 6 of those hours that you're at school! (I was telling Daddy I might just already be highlighted as a little bit of a stalker mommy :)!) I can't wait to record all your preschool adventures from this year!

(In case you're thinking, "geez, mom really went a little nutzo with this... it's just preschool", I just have to say - it's only the beginning buddy! God blessed you with a extremely devoted - albeit a little neurotic - loving mommy! I try to use my powers for good and not evil, but I think you'll just have to deal sometimes :) Sorry!)

love,

Your First and Favorite Teacher