Daycare Debut

A few months ago, we decided on a daycare center to send our children to, now that I am returning fulltime to work.  Ideally, we would have loved an at-home daycare, but transportation to preschool for Mackenzie was an issue we couldn't work around.  So, we picked a school that is highly accredited, well-known,and that felt like the best fit for our family's needs.  Although school does not start for a few more weeks, we decided it would be wise to slowly phase the kids into school, so that hopefully by  the time II return to work, they will have adjusted to the routines and schedules, and become aquainted and comfortable with the staff. 

We picked Wednesday of last past week as their first day.  Wednesdays are "water days" where they play outside and enjoy lots of fun water activities.  That particular day they also had a local musician visit the school.  Jeremy cancelled a morning meeting and met me there to walk the kids in on their first day. 

on our way to school, Caleb was not a fan from the very start

Heading in for their first day.  Caleb is such a gentleman and was more concerned with opening the door than being in the picture.  :)

We took Caleb in first and he happily ran right in and started checking out all the toys.  We got all of his things unpacked and quickly exited the room before he noticed.

 It was not long before he was in tears, and this lasted most of the day.  His teachers are WONDERFUL and cuddled and held him the majority of the day. One even layed by him and rubbed his back during naptime.  It was a rough day, but he made it through and we were so proud of him!  I can't imagine what he must have felt being in a strange environment with strangers, unable to anticipate or predict their schedule or new way of doing things.  Seeing him crying when we dropped him off and when I picked him up broke my heart.  His poor little eyes were bloodshot and swollen by the time I got there, but when he saw me arrive to pick him up he ran into my arms yelling "Mommy, Mommy" and all was well in the World again.

Day 2, all smiles when he saw Mommy come in during snack time

Mackenzie had a great day!  She went right into her room and one of the little girls had drawn her a picture and had it waiting for her.  That made her day.  She was pretty shy and quiet (which are words I would normally not use to describe her:), but joined right in with her class and waved to us with a smile when we left. 

When I called into school, the Director told me that when she popped in, she never would have known it was her first day.  She said one of her teachers commented to her that she "wishes she had a 100 Mackenzie's" and that it was the easiest transition she's ever had with a new student.  Mackenzie has made a couple of really good friends, and seems to be happy there.  She isn't overly excited to go there, but she's not upset or complaining about it either.  I'm sure it will just take time.  Praying it gets easier for all of us in the future.

Aside from not being with my kids everyday, I am sad that they will only have a few hours together before and after school each day.  One day after pick up, Mackenzie told me that she misses Caleb when she's at school all day.  Luckily there recess times overlap, twice during the day.  Mackenzie shared this story about her and Caleb at recess.  Get out the tissue box.  It is so sweet, it will make you cry.   Here's the conversation:

(Kenz)"Mommy, guess what, I saw Caleb outside today.  He was crying."
(Me)"Oh really?  You guys get to play with each other outside?  That's great!"
(Kenz)"Well, Caleb's on the baby playground, and I'm on the big girl playground.  But when we are outside and he sees me, he starts yelling and crying "sissy, oh sissy" over and over and he runs to the fence.  Then he puts his fingers in the holes (of the fence) and I put mine in and he pats my hand."
(Me)"Oh Kenzie, that is so sweet.  I know it's probably his favorite part of the day seeing you."
(Kenz)"Yeah, but then my friends call my name and I want to go play with them and go down the slide.  So I leave him and then he just cries and cries.  He keeps screaming "oh sissy, oh sissy" and then I go back."
(Me) "I am so proud of you for taking care of your brother.  I know you want to be with your friends, but I'm proud of you for being there him."  (choking back the tears)....