My first day of Preschool

Around this time last year Morgan and I started talking about putting Avrie in preschool.  I really thought alot about where to send her. Should I send her to a place that is convenient for me at work? Should I send her to the place where her daycare friends go?  Should I send her to the place close to home?  Each place had its own pros and cons.  I was a bit apprehensive about sending her to the school near our house because of it being a co-op.  Each parent was required to participate in classroom time and help the teacher as needed. Well, the town we live in is a small town (in a good way I think) and also the town where my husband has been essentially his entire life.  Most people here know him or at least know of him.  I was so scared that either myself or Avrie would do something to upset a parent and it would forever change the way the community looked at us. I love this community and I just couldn't handle that.  Sort of like the reason why you don't do business with family, this community really is a family to me.  I just didn't know if I was willing to risk that. 

After much thought and consideration we ended up deciding on the close to home preschool option.  It worked out nice to because several of our play date friends were either going here already or starting this year.  At least the kids would all see some familiar faces at school and maybe make it a little more fun.  When I picked Avrie up after her first day of school, I learned that I would be the teachers assistant on her next - and only second, day of school.  Honestly I was not very happy about that.  I really wanted her to get to see what school was like before adding me to the mix.  I wanted her to feel like school was something for her alone, something she didn't need me for.  But alas, it is what it is and so on her second day I would be there.

So, today was my first day of preschool.  I don't know why I was so nervous or scared but I have seriously been dreading today all week.  The fear of not knowing what to do or how to help or how the kids would be.... Ugh! I tried to gather as much advice as I could from other more seasoned moms - thank you Missy, Mary & Jessica - and hoped for the best.  Turns out all my worries were unfounded.  The kids were ALL great, the teacher is awesome and Avrie was just the right amount of clingy.  I had the best day and I cant wait until I get the opportunity to do it again. It was so cute watching the kids interact with each other and seeing the small differences in each child's personality. I also found watching the teacher - Mrs Furlong - interact with the kids was sort of like a parenting lesson. 

I think maybe the best part of today was watching and learning as Mrs Furlong tried to keep the attention of ten 3-4 year olds.  Her tone of voice, the things she said, when she said them - all things I hope to replicate.  I expected today to be very stressful and to come home exhausted and drained.  Turns out I came home happy and pretty relaxed.  Who knew dealing with that amount of toddlers could be relaxing!  I'm sure if I had to be there every day it might be a different story but for now I cant wait for my next day in the classroom and I feel so lucky to live in such a great community.  After all - it really does take a village to raise a child and I feel pretty darn lucky to be in this village.


Avrie and I on her first day of school



The day we signed her up for preschool, wearing her preschool shirt. She was so excited