Wednesday, September 12, 2012

First Day of Preschool

Wasn’t it just yesterday that I held this beautiful little ‘baby’ in my arms for the first time?  DSC_0242

How can it be that Hannah is ready for preschool???DSC_0228

Yesterday was her first day and she was super excited!OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Grandma and Grandpa came by to join us for a few pics and to see Hannah off on her first day of school.DSC_0268

As we were taking pics there were also moments when I sensed the questions that might be running around her little mind.DSC_0203

When she was tired of Mommy and Grandpa taking tons of pics she pulled out her adorable 3yo stink eye.  As long as she saves this one for family we’re all good!  DSC_0251

Her stink eye was followed seconds later by this adorable little face when she reassured us she was, ‘just teasing!’DSC_0253

When it was time to leave I gave Hannah her backpack (aka: pack pack) to put on.  Rather the put it on her back she placed it on the floor and opened it.  When I questioned what she was doing she said, ‘I’m just checking to make sure everything is here.  That’s what big girls do!’  Heh!! 

Upon arrival at the church I guess we weren’t moving quite quickly enough for my little love.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

When we arrived in her class she found her hook, hung up pack pack and then humoured mom with another pic.  IMG_7882

Family were invited to stay for the first bit of class so I followed Hannah around as she explored her new classroom.  Her first stop was one of her favourite play areas – the kitchen.

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She also found the play-doh place and set to work making cookies.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

She is also in the class with one of Nana’s co-worker’s little girls so we introduced Hannah and Mya to one another and they quickly set to playing together.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

At 9:00 everyone was called to circle time.  We sang together, talked about some of the fun things the kids will do at preschool and then the teacher read, ‘The Kissing Hand.’

In this book Chester Racoon is nervous about his first day at school and leaving Mommy behind.  Mommy places a kiss in each of his paws to remind him that she loves him and that she’s always close.  The next day as Chester prepares to go to school he asks Mommy for her paws and he places a kiss in each of them to remind her that he loves her. 

Hannah hopped up on my lap for the reading of the story and held my thumbs which is something she does for comfort.  I don’t think she was overly nervous but just the normal bit of concern about something new.  The Thumbs Have It

When the story was over the teacher said it was time to say goodbye to Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa and that we’d be back soon.   She hopped off my lap, spun around and grabbed my hands and placed kisses in each palm.  I did the same for her, told her I loved her and then she was off and running!  She ran across the room to Grandma and Grandpa, kissed their hands too and then she was off playing!  Neither of us cried (ok, Mommy teared up a bit when we first waked in the classroom and I saw the hook with her name above it) but not when it was time to go.  Hannah was so happy and the goodbye happened so quickly that I just kinda walked out and that was it – my baby was at preschool!

I had taken the day off work (and tomorrow morning also) so was now ‘free’ for 2 hours and wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself.   Mom, Dad and I went out for breakfast and then I did a little running around but I tell you, I missed my little munchkin the entire time!  When it was time to pick her up she came running and was excited to tell me all about her first day!  She had a great time, made and alligator out of the letter A, coloured an apple and much more!  In the car she began to sing the ‘Welcome’ song that the teacher sang at the beginning of the class after hearing it only once.  I know my little girl is ready for preschool and I’m excited to watch her grow, learn and flourish!!  When she woke up this morning one of her first questions was, ‘Do I get to go to preschool today?’ 

I realized something new yesterday.  In the past whenever I heard about parents crying when their children went to school I thought it was because they were going to miss them.  Yesterday I realized the tears I had were not because I would miss Hannah but that my baby girl is growing up and life will never be quite as it has been.  School will now be part of our lives and will be for a very long time.  My baby is no longer a baby.  She’s a ‘big girl’ (as she would tell you) and there will now be many outside influences on her little life that I cannot control.  I know it’s a good thing and that I’ll be there every step of the way learning with her and helping her but yes, my little girl is officially in preschool….and she’s ready to soar!DSC_0221

15 comments:

  1. Congratulations sweet Hannah and mama on a successful first day. And yes, you nailed it on the reasons for tears.

    Huge hugs to you both. (Looking awesome in your pic, by the way)

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  2. Yes, she is ready to soar. And she is ready because of you.

    BTW...is it wrong that i nearly cried reading this?

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  3. Yay Hannah! Sounds like she had a great first day! She is such a cutie:) It's quite amazing watching them grow, isn't it? Wait til she's starting Kindergarten...Yikes!! :)

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  4. I teared reading this. I remember SO well how we waited forever and now time is flying by.

    Yeah H!

    Keep smilin!

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  5. Ah, you're making me get all teary-eyed. I wish time didn't move so fast! Every stage is so much fun!

    BTW, we are thinking of planning a trip to Quebec City. Have you been there? Any travel tips, oh wise travel guru? :)

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  6. No way...time is passing too quickly. I can't believe that Hannah is starting pre-school already as it seems like yesterday that she came home. Wishing her a great year and the same love of school that Maisie has.

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  7. I know EXACTLY what you mean. EXACTLY!!!

    It's so hard to see them growing and becoming more independent every day. At the same time it is so exciting to see the little people they are becoming. How I do wish it would slow down just a bit, though.

    I thought next week was her first day. So sorry I missed it. It looks like it was a great first day. Miss Hannah looked so darn cute!! Love the dress!!!

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  8. Catherine,
    You voiced this so well. I never quite get used to leaving my heart(s) at school. They grow so quickly and become independent. The other day, I was not feeling well, and had taken the children to school. Oldest (teenage son) bent over and gave me a peck on the cheek. It meant the world to me.
    You're looking very well. Hannah looks so happy.
    Good for you both!

    Blessings,
    Jen

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  9. How precious! She is growing up as we all watch:) Lovely holiday pics from Disney - we are due to go to Anaheim in March 2014 (closer to Sydney) and these pics really made me long for that time to pass quickly!

    xxx Nicole

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  10. She looked so beautiful on her first day of school! Yes - the tears are definitely because they are growing up so fast. I am so glad she loves school!

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  11. Aw, your baby went to preschool. She looks so grown up. I love how expressive Hannah is. She looks so much fun. I bet you have a great time with her. Welcome to the world of school, mom. :-)

    Molly

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  12. You should be so proud! I remember your post about a shower someone threw for you and Hannah, and you received that dress. I almost feel like she's growing up too fast when I think about it, so I can only imagine how you feel! I think you're doing a great job on raising such a character. I'm curious though, why didn't Hannah start last year, if ages are 2 1/2--5? Will she be starting Kindergarten next year? I know the cutoff date here in Quebec is early in October, although I don't know whether you need to be 4 or 5 when starting.

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    Replies
    1. In Ontario the age a child begins school is based on the calendar year. This year the children entering JK (Junior Kindergarten) were all born in 2008. Hannah was born in 2009 so therefore will not enter JK until next September.

      The preschool she is in is for 3yo children. I could have started her in January but she LOVES her daycare, receives amazing care there and I didn't feel she needed an extra 6 months of schooling when she enjoyed daycare so much. This year she's ready for a bit of school, is doing great and learning much. Everything she'll learn will be fresh rather than duplicating 6 months of the classes.

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    2. Oh! I completely forgot about JK and SK. The calendar year rule is useful though. It makes it easier for parents of December babies, I'm guessing. I'm glad Hannah is enjoying school so much! I hope she doesn't lose that!

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    3. Me too! Right now she asks every morning if she gets to go to school. Love that!!

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