A Preschooler?!?!

I am amazed to say that Jonathan is already a preschooler, taking a toddler class at Lauren's old school. I'm even more amazed to say that he is doing well. Here's the full story...

Back in spring, we decided to enroll Jonathan in a toddler class for the fall. He would attend on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, while I was at work. This would be cheaper than having a babysitter come to our house (which is what we did last school year) and we were hoping the structure and social interaction would be good for him.

Fast forward to July, the week before he is scheduled to begin. I took him to visit his new class, hoping to introduce him to his teacher and fellow classmates and make it easier when we had to say goodbye on his first day. In a word, it was a disaster. He was scared and shy when we arrived, which is understandable for a kid who doesn't like anything new or different. But that quickly deteriorated into the biggest meltdown I have ever seen--from him or any other kid. It was more than half an hour of screaming and crying, and nothing would calm him down. I didn't want to leave the school, as I was afraid that he would think if he just threw a big enough fit, mommy would take him home. I finally got him calmed down a bit, but he refused to participate or do any of the things the other kids were doing. It was actually quite embarrassing, being the mom with that kid. (Some of the teachers even confessed to me later that they were pretty worried about him, and there was quite a discussion over who's class he would be in!) The director of the school suggested I bring him back one more time before he started the class, to see if he could have a better experience. We did that a couple of days later, and it did go much better--although far from wonderful. I was still extremely anxious as his first day approached...

On his first day of school, we decided that Daddy would take him and Mommy would stay home--he seems to do better saying good-bye to Gary than me. I was home with Lauren all morning, mostly a nervous wreck, waiting for the phone call from preschool to come get him because he wouldn't calm down. That phone call never came. I nervously walked into his classroom when it was time to go home and I still remember my discussion with the teacher. She looked at me with a big smile and said, "He did great!" I responded, "Oh, I'm so relieved!" and she said, "So am I!" :) Although he cried when Daddy left, there was no other crying the rest of the day. He did well with all of the transitions (one of his trouble areas) and followed along with the other kids just fine. What an enormous answer to prayer!!

He has now completed three weeks of school, and every day has been a little better. When I come to get him, his teacher always says, "Another great day!" He absolutely loves his teacher, which has helped so much with his adjustment. She is wonderful with him, and I'm so thankful that he has a great first teacher experience. He is gradually becoming more independent, playing with the other kids in his class and participating in the crafts and circle time. Even as I write this, I am amazed that it is all true. His first experience was such a nightmare, that I really couldn't have asked for more! This morning he even seemed excited to go: when I told him we were getting ready for preschool, he headed straight to the car with a smile on his face. Awesome!

Here are a few pictures from his first day, taken at home as Lauren and I said goodbye. I'm so proud of my little man and incredibly thankful for his great transition to preschooler. I know there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way, but we will handle them as they come. For now, I'm just basking in the glow of a great start!