Preschool

Last month, my middle child started preschool! For those who don't live near us, you may not realize what a large feat this is. Gracie has been telling us almost every day for the last year that she will not be attending school. She would be so determined about it, and no matter how many fun things we told her about it she would refuse. She loves to be with us, and I am sure that this is the main reason she didn't want to go. As you can imagine, as the day drew near, I was a bundle of nerves. I could just picture her clinging to my leg sobbing as I pried her off. We got ready for school that day, and she didn't fight me getting dressed. We dropped Gabby off first, and she seemed to be alright, but I noticed her"shaking" a lot as we neared the school. Gracie has always had a "shaking" thing that she does when she is upset, or really excited. It is as though she can't find the words to express her feelings. We pulled in, and I got her out of her car seat. She clutched my hand pretty tightly, and I thought...oh lord, here we go! I helped her hang her backpack up, and we found her some toys to play with. I thought I was going to have to sneak out, but she turned, gave me the biggest squeeze, and said"Mommy, I am going to be alright." I couldn't believe it, it took all of my might to wait until I got to the parking lot before crying. She had decided to go, and to even put on a brave face for me. I love that girl so much! I am so happy and excited that now she loves preschool. Her teachers are fabulous, and she is already learning.

1st grade

I know it has been almost a month since school started, but it is still such an important day, we have to blog about it. I can't believe that I have a first grader! She is getting so big so quickly. Last year her starting school was an emotional thing for me....this year, not much was different;) She is just so brave! I was always so scared on the first day of school, she ended last year, not all that happy with school. I was worried that it would transfer to this year. We went into her classroom though and she just picked out her desk, put her lunch away, and went to introduce herself to some little girls. I love that she is so friendly and outgoing, makes me a little envious. She had a great first day, and is loving school. Our only problem, is the bus...she hates it. I can't really blame her, it makes her day that much longer. They get out of school at 3:00, but it is a 45min bus ride home. Hopefully as she gets used to the long days, it will get better.
It is amazing how much she has already learned, she is reading, adding, and according her teacher is very well behaved. Thank the lord! I love watching the wheels in her head turn as she sounds words out, and tries to spell. Here is to a fabulous year!