First day of preschool

Speaking of underwear...

John had his first day of preschool today. He was actually nervous about it. I hadn't prepared myself for that possibility.

James and Margaret never gave preschool a second thought, since they had been going to daycare (which we always called "school" for them) since about 18 months, each. When other parents would talk about the "trauma" of the first day of school (preschool or kindergarten) I never really got it. Were they just over-dramatizing? No big deal at our house.

Well, I won't say it was a trauma for John, by any means. But it was a big deal. He asked questions all evening and through the bedtime routine. ("Mommy, will I go with no grown-ups? Why won't you be there? Will I get to play outside in the rocks? When will you pick me up?") He couldn't get to sleep last night. Even when I lay down with him (which usually puts him out within a few minutes), he tossed and turned next to me, muttering to himself about school. I was glad that I had given in yesterday at Meijer's with a small "school present-" a new package of underwear for the newly potty trained boy. (They were Star Wars Clone Wars, which he recognized himself though I am certain he can't yet read the words "Clone Wars" printed around the top band.)

Still, despite all his angst, he was happy to go this morning. He popped out of bed and dressed himself in the new underwear. (After that, who cares about clothing?) He asked Maggie to get him a bowl of cereal because he couldn't wait for Mom to get to the kitchen. When we arrived at preschool, he dashed into the gym with hardly a goodbye. As he had requested, I stayed to watch through the window for a few minutes, but he never once looked around for me. I watched the scene in pantomime through the glass, astonished that my Human Tornado was standing in his place in a circle, eyes riveted on the teachers, following every instruction for their "warm up exercises." Okay, once he did run off and swing on the Tarzan rope on his own. But mostly following instructions. Was this really my boy?

James, Maggie, and I took advantage of our morning alone to shoe shop. Amazingly, much easier without John along. 2.5 hours, 2 stores, 5 pairs of shoes (James-soccer; James-school, Maggie-gym, Maggie-school, Maggie-church) and 1 pair of socks (James-soccer), and less than $150. I felt like my world was once again manageable. In a certain way. (That 18-gallon tote of old shoes is finally starting to come in handy. Found soccer shoes for Maggie and tennis shoes for John for "free" from our hand-me-downs. At this rate it should only take one extra mortgage, not two, to keep all four kids clothed as they grow.)

We rushed back to pick up John at noon. Sadly, we discovered he was apparently the only one of the approximately 15 kids who had used his backpack (change of clothing). Ack. So much for the potty-training progress. At least we only came home with wet clothing, not dirty. Maybe they won't kick us out yet. :) 

Back on Friday morning for more glee and giggles. I am encouraged that this will work.