It seemed like this day would never come, and then it came all too quickly! Ryan and I started looking for a good preschool when she was a little over a year old, so we had been anticipating and preparing Keira (and ourselves) for this day for quite some time. We finally settled on Around the Son, which is a part of Skyland Methodist Church in South Asheville. Not only is it a Christian school, but we had more than a few friends give it raving reviews, it's close to our home AND they provide early drop off. We both work, so this was a huge need for us and an answer to prayer. As soon as we found out they added 8AM early drop off, it was a done deal and because of Ryan's ever changing schedule we made her full time, five days a week, 9AM to 1PM, and 8AM when need be. Based on how well it's gone so far, we are very happy with our decision!
School started the day after Labor Day, Tuesday September 2nd. We decided to spend Labor Day weekend in Myrtle Beach visiting Ryan's sisters for one last hurrah! It was the perfect weekend to end the summer... to mourn, err, celebrate the end Keira's baby years and the start of her school years.
As soon as we got back, we started preparing for her big day! I wanted her lunch to be special and fun, mostly so that she would actually eat. I found this elephant sandwich cut out at Walmart. I also have a puzzle cut out and when given the choice, Keira chose the elephant. I put cream cheese on both tortillas and put a piece of ham and cheese in between to complete. It's one of her favorites.
She also got some veggie straws, a bell pepper and some cut up grapes. Keeping this up 5 days a week is going to take some creativity!
All the weekend fun tired this girl out. On the plus side, it resulted in a great night's sleep and she was happy and ready to go bright and early. Ryan prepared her a hearty meal of eggs and cheese. Breakfast of champions!
After breakfast, it was time to get dressed. I picked out this adorable polka-dotted Hello Kitty dress that her Anma bought her over the summer. I love it because it has a cute vintage vibe... a nod to the forties.
She was excited to say the least! After getting dressed, she settled down enough... a lot actually, to get her hair done. How could I not put her in pigtails?
Perfection! It should be noted, she can FINALLY get down off our bed without assistance.
An outfit is not an outfit without the perfect shoes! Army green Chucks... yes, please. It's her first pair of lace up shoes and while she can be girly, she's definitely a tomboy, making the shoes and the dress a perfect match.
She gets a little help from Daddy with the laces! She's not quite ready for the bunny ears around the hole and what-not.
She takes a moment to check herself out! She thinks she's hot stuff.
We almost didn't get the photo below! I totally forgot to make a '1st Day of Preschool' sign. Luckily, we still had plenty of time to spare, so I ran inside and rummaged through her art supplies and stumbled on a piece of black foam paper. I grabbed a white chalk pen I use for our weekly menus and tada... instant sign. I'm glad we got the photo. The tradition has begun!
Off to school we went! Five minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot, a little before 9AM as all the other families were pulling in.
They had donuts and coffee prepared for all the parents, but we were too busy doting on Keira to partake. Next year though, totally grabbing a doughnut to go!
Keira loves her "pack-pack". Although she really doesn't need one, she insists on having it, so we put her lunch and jacket in it.
Yes, we each had to get our own picture with her!
As soon as she gets to her classroom, she grabs a the frog with her picture on it and puts it on the lily pad. It's to help her realize that school has begun. Keira seems to like her teacher. Ms. Amy is great!
She's all about it and goes straight to playing. We barely get hugs goodbye! Duh, mommy & daddy... my frog is on the lily pad. School has started. Our bad.
I rushed to work and counted the hours until pick-up. Ryan could have gotten her by himself, but I wanted to be there too. We met in the school yard and practically ran to her classroom. I peaked in. And there she was, my baby not being a baby anymore! Eating her lunch at the little table like a big girl, talking up a storm with her new friends. I could have watched her forever had I not wanted to hug her so badly.
Gah, heartbreak! Ouch? No, this is a good thing. I'm so proud that she has a healthy sense of independence about her. For most of her life she's been very clingy, crying if I left a room. Less, than a year ago, we couldn't leave her in the nursery at church without her wailing for us. She wouldn't go to family if Ryan or I were around. I was worried that preschool would be the same. In fact, it was the total opposite. She is a complete social butterfly now. I know exactly what contributed to her opening up, but that's worthy of a post all its own. More to come on her transformation and its cause later!
I told her not to worry, she would be back the next day and the day after that and the day after that! Without knowing it, I told a half truth, though. She made it back the next day, but then got sick with a cold. Seriously... we had to call her in sick after just two days! Oh well, such is life and our new reality. We are praying her immunity builds up quickly.
Here is her very first daily report! I love seeing what her favorite activity of the day is. On this first day it was coloring. Since then we've seen dancing in the hallway, playing with acorns and pretending to cook in the kitchen. Her disposition is always 'smiley face'. Yeah, that's my baby, I mean... big girl!
