During the first session, I was a little nervous. Although she spends a considerable amount of time among other kids in the gym's childcare and she had VBS last month, she has never been in a situation that required much in the way of structured group activities. And certainly very few situations where she had to follow directions other than those barked out (or screamed) by her mother.
True to her rebellious form, she was not among the kids who quickly lined up when asked, or that stayed lined up for more than 10 seconds once there. She participated in activities as it suited her whim. And she felt very strongly that SHE should be the line leader. Let there be no confusion, she's an alpha, that girl of mine. Someday, when her high school principal calls because she's been caught doing something bad, I will be fairly certain that it was she who led the expedition.
However, it would not be fair to not point out that she boldly did all of the activities asked of her while many other children stood back timidly. She may have lost interest and moved on before some of those kids even had a chance to step up to the table, but there was no fear. Also, she was unfailingly friendly, the quintessential social butterfly.
At the second session on Tuesday, she was more willing to follow the direction of the teacher and while she still has a long way to go, I was proud at how quickly she had picked up the routine of the day and the cues that indicated the beginning of a new activity. When I went to pick her up today, her first solo outing, she was happily chatting with one of the other kids, a little girl she named Purple Dress. For obvious reasons. Reports from the teacher were positive. And she is excited to go back next week.
Myself? I spent the time running errands. It wasn't exactly pampered "me" time but tasks that normally take half a day, I accomplished in less than 2 hours. And for a busy mom, that is luxury enough.
Hooray for pre-school!
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| The obligatory first day of school picture. |
Look how big she's gotten! She's so beautiful, mama! And yay for this big step... those few hours we get to ourselves, even if they're to run around getting stuff done, is so needed. :) And great for her, too.
ReplyDeleteYou never knew how fast 2 1/2 hours could fly, did you?
ReplyDeleteSo glad she's adjusting, and you, too :) "Alpha girl"...love it. Wonder where she gets that?
Hooray for pre-school and the Bean, indeed! My guess is that Madras Dress is the star of the class!
ReplyDeleteI had an unfortunate incident related to my desire to be first in line - I skipped potty time in an effort to beat the other kids. You can imagine the result. Yes, I imagine the Bean to be a lot like I was. I can't wait to hear the tales!
ReplyDeleteToo cute for words. It is bittersweet when they become even more independent.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh school!! I don't know how I will be when my LO has to go to preschool... luckily I have a few more years to hug and squeeze her!
ReplyDeleteYay! Preschool is so exciting - I hope she loves it!
ReplyDeleteHooray! Good for both of you! And she'll learn all those social skills and patience and standing in line. I think teachers are put into our kids lives at this time help us so we don't become crazy. :o)
ReplyDeleteYay!
I thought for sure you'd kick up your feet and enjoy a margarita! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on entering this new phase of life!
~Kristin
Wow, look at Sophie! I still remember the video you posted of her taking her first steps. Enjoy those hours to yourself. :)
ReplyDeleteGo, Sophie, go! And clearly she was at the head of the class for fashion, too, with those adorable flip-flops.
ReplyDeleteShe is so cute. Glad she's liking it so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party, as usual...
ReplyDeleteBut good for her! Glad she's making the adjustment to preschool... and yay for getting some alone time, no matter how short it is!
And that pic is too cute for words.