I have known this day would come for a long time, especially since I was the one who planned it. Preschool.
When I returned to work after Quinn was born he went to my Grandma's house...his Great-Grandma's house. We were so very lucky to have her watch him for the past 4 years. Up until he was nearly 2 years old he was with her 5 days a week. As he got busier we transitioned him into a home daycare 2 days per week and to his Granny's house 3 days a week right up until Luke was born this past September. And now, on leave, since Paige is in school it has been just me and my boys everyday. It has been great...unforgettable...messy...wonderful...and exhausting.
Quinn has a lot of energy, like most 4 year old little boys do. The combination of a silly active boy with a newborn baby and a "oh so tired" mommy, is a tough mix, but we made it work. I have loved spending time with him but I have known for a long time that he needs more. More structure, more activities and bigger challenges than he gets in a home environment. A year ago I began to research preschools for him and we settled on St. Odilia Wee Saints. We also decided that the perfect time for him to start would be after I go back to work.
I am so fortunate to be able to transition Quinn slowly into his new school, his church school. You see the reference "church school" comes from Paige. She used to attend the same school through the YMCA, and called it her church school since it was held well...in a church, our church. We have talked it up for the past year, telling him how great it would be when he finally went to preschool. I wonder if all that talk was for him or for me.
Well today was the day. His very first day. I planned it out so that he would only go for a few hours, five to be exact. We spent last night preparing for his big day. We picked out and packed his blanket and pillow, a snuggle friend, and extra outfit and clothes to wear. I took him to get a hair cut (which he loved) and we carefully chose and laid out the clothes he would wear. We were all ready!! And off to bed.
I prepared myself for the fact that today, this morning rather, may not go as smooth as we planned. It was easy to talk about that day for so long but now that it was finally here...
Well the kids got up and had breakfast, Quinn was in a great mood. He got dressed and was being so sweet and silly. I was a little bummed out that I had to tell him, today was the day. Well it was time to start the car and get ready to go. When I reminded him , he burst into tears, as I knew he would. While I packed up the car Paige talked him off the ledge and it wasn't long before we were on our way!
Once we were in the car he was excited and I was so very relieved. When we got to school he walked in without any hesitation.
As we neared his classroom I could feel the lump in my throat and it almost made it worse that he was so brave. I expected him to be upset which would have distracted me from what a big day this was for him. He suddenly looked so small with his back pack and over sized coat.
We got to his classroom and all of the kids were out on the playground. It wasn't quite how I imagined his first day. I thought we would hang out for a few minutes while he settled in, but no, I suppose it was for the best anyway. We spent a few minutes putting his belongings into his cubby before a teacher offered to bring him out to the playground.
It was happening so fast. He was slipping away! Just as I was about to ask him for a hug he turned from the teacher and ran to give me a hug and a kiss, it was then that the tears came. He then went too Paige and gave her a hug too. And that was it, he was off and on his way to being a big boy. My sweet Quinny Pooh. I hope the other kids are kind to him, that he is kind to them. That he feels happy and safe. Sigh. Being a mom is not for the weak.
Paige and I left all smiles, but I was still holding back a waterfall. We were both so proud of Quinn. I only hoped that he continued to be brave. When we got home it hit me again, for the first time in a long time... I was home without him. It felt wrong, and lonely. Right away I saw his blanket and pajamas on the floor. And then his half eaten breakfast still on the counter because we rushed out the door.
So I talked to my sister and cried some more. Only 4 more hours until I could go get him... but in the meantime and Paige, Luke and I were going to a movie. That would certainly take my mind off of Quinn.
And it did, somewhat. But I couldn't help but constantly check my phone in case his school called. They didn't. As soon as the movie was over it was time to go back and get him, it was a short day after all. I couldn't wait to get my baby.
Wouldn't you know, he had a great day, No tears, was a bit shy but happy. Thank God.
Quinn is officially a preschooler and here is his first daily report card! The day turned out great. He is excited to go back next week and I couldn't ask for more.
