Victory!

Yesterday was your second day of preschool. We had to wait an entire week to go back since your school does a 'slow start' week. We practiced all week for your second day. "When we go to school, Mommy walks you to your classroom and then when you see Mrs. B you give Mommy a big hug and a kiss and say, 'Goodbye Mommy, I love you'.  Then Mommy and Sela will leave, but we will be back to get you after you play and learn with Mrs. B and all of your new friends." You wholeheartedly agreed with the process but when it was game time, I have to admit, I had my doubts. Low and behold, on day 2, you surprised me.

Being the neurotic parent that I sometimes can be, we showed up a half an hour early for school in order to watch the process of the "drop off" service where parents can pull up to the school and an attendant removes the student from the vehicle and escorts them to their class line. Amazing option, but I knew this was going to be out of your comfort zone, so we just watched and I explained the process. "Oh no Mommy, I just want you to take me to Mrs. B's class." We'll tackle that another day. We walked down to your class line and the line nazi (as I lovingly refer to her) was waiting. In her defense you have to be pretty intense to keep a room full of 3 and 4-year=olds (literally) in line. As soon as you saw her your body began to melt into mine. You were clinging so tight to my leg I just knew we were in for a repeat. And then here came Mrs. B. As soon as I said her name you stood up, said, "Mommy, this is when I say good-bye Mommy, I love you." You gave me a kiss, ran up to Mrs. B and never looked back. I had tears again but this time they were from pride and happiness.

Sela and I ran errands and we finished early so I thought I would drive toward the school and she would fall asleep for a short nap. Plan failed. So we pulled into the parking lot of your school and I unbuckled Sela. Just then you and your entire class exited the side door of the school to go to recess. I am lucky I didn't hurt myself I hit the floor so fast. Please don't let him see me, I thought to myself, (actually I kept repeating this out loud to Sela) he will be so sad and I will be in so much trouble. Not to mention the teacher is going to think I have been sitting in the parking lot for the last two hours, making me even crazier than she already thinks I am. As Sela and I emerged from the car floor, like we were just victims of an attempted drive-by, you and your class made it to the playground without spotting us. I couldn't see you most of recess because you were playing in the sandbox, but truth be told I wasn't sure I wanted to see you. You had to be carried off the playground on your first day and I just didn't think I was strong enough to witness that first hand. Other than a less than polite arm pull-away from the teacher's assistant, when she tried to show you the line, you left the playground without incident.

 It was finally time to pick you up from your class. I got our "mail" from the parent mailboxes. Sela emptied Lucas' mail folder all over the hallway. Sorry Lucas, I hope nothing is missing. Then Mrs. B came to the door, called your name and you ran to us with a big smile and hug. I got the thumbs up from Mrs. B and she mouthed, 'He had an awesome day!'

Victory! Good job buddy. Here's to a successful day three tomorrow!