Esai's first day of preschool was today. He was so ready for this. He's been asking to go to school for over a year now. And as he hopped out of the Saturn, he merrily trotted toward Mrs. Herbig without a look back at mom.
We didn't have much time to prepare (emotionally) for this day. We started out thinking that Esai would do a Mommy-and-me preschool through the Wichita school district. One more year of Mommy-and-me. One year to prepare for independent learning, right? Wrong. It turns out Matias didn't like that idea at all, and screamed his little lungs out during the 90 minutes he had to endure daycare. It occurred to me that it wasn't making sense to send my high-needs child to daycare, while I stayed with my independent (yet, still healthfully attached) child. So, Esai was enrolled in Ascension Lutheran Church preschool, 9 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
As we drove to the preschool this morning, Esai chatted excited about what he hoped to do today, which mostly involved playing on the school's playground and peeing in the school potty. We pulled up in front of the school and waiting in the long line of minivans. I watched as little ones emerged from their moms' vehicles, bursting with anticipation. I let Esai crawl into the front seat as we waited our turn. It was at this point, I noticed he had dog poop caked in his shoe. Well, crap! I hope the teacher doesn't notice.
The Bug kissed Matias goodbye, then me. Then bounced out of the car ... on his way to a new adventure.
Two hours later, Mo and I lined up again -- this time eager to greet our new preschooler. Esai bounded into the car, gave me a big hug and kiss and nestled into his car seat.
Me: Hey, baby! How was your first day of preschool?
Esai: It was soooooo fun!
Me: What'd you do?
Esai: Well, I did math and learned stuff.
Me: What kind of math?
Esai: It was regular math. We do regular math at preschool.
Me: Did you make anything today?
Esai: I made friends.
:::: snort! ::::::
Me: What were your friends' names?
Esai: There are two Olivias. But there are too many boys, so I just played with Olivia. We had snacks.
Me: Did you read any stories?
Esai: Yeah, we read about an alligator that lives under a boy's bed. His parents put him back int the zoo.
Me: Did you do any crafts?
Esai: Yeah. I made a hand.
Me: Did you like your teachers?
Esai: Yes.Did you miss me, mama?
Me: Of course I did. But I'm also very proud of you.
Esai: So you're happy-sad?
Me: Yes. Sad because I miss you, but so proud of how much you're learning and making new friends.
And so it went on. And so it will.
