third time (might be) the charm

Our daughter started preschool yesterday for the third time. It was dramatically different than years past. How was it different you ask? First her Daddy and I BOTH took her to "preview" the program last spring. We told her it was a fun place to go and look and learn. Ever since that morning last May, when we drive past that particular building she quotes that statement back to me. And talks about being a big girl, potty training* and playing with the other children. You should notice the lack of screaming, crying or fear of that building.

Another BIG difference, seems to be the "meet your teacher" day. Ben took her (I was basking in magic and wonder in the Bahamas) and while they did meet her teacher, they stayed together the whole time. He stayed in the room and had her touch everything in sight while they played together. This is a change from Mommy attending the parents only meeting while Mallory stayed with her teacher in the new classroom. Total time invested 30 minutes. A day or two after meet the teacher, Mallory got a postcard in the mail from her teacher. I kid you not she made us read both sides to her conservatively 900 times. 

*This program expects 3 year old to be "COMPLETELY potty trained." Their emphasis not mine!  Hence our potty training boot camp x3 this summer

Yesterday was the first day of school. She was so excited to go that sleeping Tuesday night was a problem. Wednesday morning she woke up talking about her teacher and playing with the other children. We made breakfast together and she watched me pack her lunch and snack while sampling and approving each item. When we left the house there were NO tears, or hesitation or apprehension. When we arrived at the school, I asked her to help me find her classroom. She gave me spot on directions. Through these doors, turn left then turn right and here we are (yes the right and left were correct.) No tears, no clinging to me no asking me to stay. I held my tears until I reached the car 🙂

When I returned to pick her up, she WAS NOT crying. I cannot tell you how HUGE this is. She didn't sleep long at rest time, but was seemingly quiet and didn't eat much lunch, also not surprising. But when asked if she wanted to go back next week, gave a hesitant affirmative response. WOW!!!

I am a bit hesitant to post this as it's only day one. And things may DRASTICALLY change when she discovers this will be a twice a week occurrence. But I am so pleased that she wasn't miserable all day! Thank you Lord for helping her and me through the day.

No, there are no pictures. I will take some later, maybe next week when I have a camera (mine didn't make it back from the Bahamas.) But for now neither she nor I needed the pressure of a camera.