Last week was a big week for Lilah (and I) as it was her first day to attend preschool. The preparation alone was enough to send me off the edge, but her reactions were going to make or break me. I know at times I may seem a bit emotional about all of these changes in my child’s life, but Lilah is my one-and-only. All of this (parenting) is new to me and incredibly special – it is the only time I will be experiencing it with my own child.
Lilah carrying her cooler to her first day of preschool.
It was all a bit of a blur. We had to get a sheet and a blanket, a full set of clothes (with her name written inside), buy just the right size mini-cooler (to fit in the cubby), and have all the emergency, immunization and other doctor’s paperwork completed and authorized. I then had to figure out what my little girl would eat on a daily basis and prepare her lunch/snacks accordingly (daycare used to feed her). All set and ready to go!
We had been preparing Lilah for her big day, but telling her that she’s a “big girl” now and ready to move on and make more friends. She was so excited. Thursday morning rolled around, we were up early. She didn’t fight putting on her clothes (though they were not the ones I wanted her to wear :)) and we were all prepared. When we arrived at school everything seemed to change. (da da da duuuuhhh)
When we walked in the door she was glued to me. Everyone was so nice to her, but she refused to even look at anyone. Then the waterworks started. This was not going to be easy. It didn’t matter what the teachers said, she would not have anything to do with them. After a painful 10 minutes, I tore myself away from her and headed out the door. Though I wanted to cry I knew it was time to move her to preschool and had to trust that I made the right decision.
Of course, when I picked her up she was happy and smiling. She excitedly told me about her day of gymnastics, puzzles, her cot, and playing with the train tracks. She skipped out to the car. Yaaayyy!!!! I was thrilled that she had such a good time. The next morning I did not anticipate the crying that ensued. It was worse than the day before and made it even harder to leave. When I returned to pick her up they told me that within 15 minutes all was well and she was a happy camper. Today was easier though there were still tears. I’m told it will probably be like this through the week. Hopefully it will pass sooner than later.
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