School Days!

Bailey isn't one to be left out!

So, Monday was the big day--one of the biggest since we've moved here.  I know I'm making a big deal out of sending Audrey to school, but for her, it is BIG. If this were Bailey's first day, it would be a much different story...something along the lines of: So, I dropped off Bailey and went to get a coffee.  The end.

Her big sister does not adapt quite so easily; she is slow and cautious--observant and meticulous. For a baby who had to be trained how to self soothe, she has come a very long way.  She has overcome enough fears and hurdles that I feel she is ready to take on attending preschool without her Mama's interference five days a week.  Now it's time for her to realize she's ready too.

I never believed in the meaning of names before I became a mother.  My own name means 'youthful', which seems a pleasant way to call someone childish.  But Audrey's name means 'noble strength' and at the mature age of (nearly) four, she has already fulfilled it's meaning.  This kid may be shy and stand-offish, but she knows it.  And she willingly faces her fears. Every. Day.  Because she already understands the pride and confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles. So, for a kid like Audrey, preschool is a hotbed of intimidating experiences.  And every time she overcomes one, the look of pride she has on her face when relaying it to me is indescribable.

That's why it's a big deal.

Walking with Papa--soon to be their normal routine

I woke up early Monday to make sure breakfast was ready before it was time to roll the munchkins (and the Hubs) out of bed.  I actually had to wake my kids up at 7am, which feels so wrong, but they were excited enough to embrace the coming day.  We all got ready in an incredible amount of time (considering the leisurely pace we normally set) and the entire fam set out the door to take Audrey to preschool.

Normally, John will take Audrey with him on the way to work, but for the first few days I've had some stuff to go over with the teachers before school. So, we took the train to the same stop John uses for work and walked about ten minutes to get to her preschool. Once we arrived, Audrey's hands went straight to her mouth. (fingers in her mouth are nearly the only nervous tick she has left).  She has special 'house shoes' to wear while she's in school and she hung up her brand new backpack next to her symbol, which is a butterfly.  We talked with her teachers and, after some coaxing, convinced her to sit with some kids to color.  Then we all gave her hugs and kisses and left. I could almost see her mentally shoring up her courage.  Noble strength, that girl has.  

Mama and B drown our sorrows in apple juice

I, on the other hand, basically spent the rest of the time we were away from her trying to convince myself that she'd be fine--that this was the Lord's plan and that He was taking care of her.  Boy, that is a slice of humble pie if there ever was one. Bailey and I wandered to the bakery down the street and lingered over some muffins before heading back home to run errands.  It was Monday, after all, and that meant there was absolutely no food in the house.  Bailey was incredibly lovey with me all morning; I can tell she's going to get a lot out of these mornings together, but she was more than ready to go get sister when the time rolled around.  I had to keep myself from power walking to the school--I'll admit I was anxious to see how Little A had fared.

When we got there, Audrey's class was out on the playground; she saw us walking past and absolutely lit up.  She and Bailey had an incredibly cute reunion...and then B promptly disappeared into the huge playground while I talked to Audrey's teachers.  All the reports were that she did really well--she colored and played with little animal figurines.  They said she did the best during 'circle time' when they sit together to sing and read books and that she seemed bored once they had been in the playground for a bit.  But I knew better. 

Audrey told a totally different story.  As we walked home, she animatedly bragged that she had made some new friends--that she said "Audrey!" when they asked her name.  She relayed a bunch of conversations she had with her teachers and told me her red hair tie had broken (the horror!), that a girl had pushed her and that a boy had taken her book, but both times the teachers corrected the other chld. I can tell this is going to be a lot of practice in acclimating her to normal kid behaviors, although I doubt she will ever retaliate with more than a scathing glance. When I asked if she liked it and wanted to go back again, her immediate answer was: yes.  So, I guess we're on the right track!  Now the trick is getting used to our new routine...and I'm referring to Bailey and me. We know school is good for Audrey, but we miss her and I doubt that is ever really going to change.