We Have a Preschooler!

Addie started preschool last month, the day after she turned three.

The week before her first day, we went to the school to meet the teachers and see the classroom.
Addie packed a snack, water bottle, and a few toys in her brand new Tinker Bell backpack and brought it to school for the meet and greet.

Chris stayed home with Emily and Elizabeth while Addie and I went to Woodglen Elementary to see the preschool rooms and meet the teachers. Ever since we found out Addie would qualify for preschool services back in January, we've been reading lots of books about preschool. Addie knew her classroom would have cubbies, and she was very excited to hang her backpack and jacket in a cubby right away when we walked in to her new classroom.

We went to the school on a Wednesday, and Wednesdays are teacher work days for Adams 12 preschools, so there weren't any kids there. Addie had the whole classroom and all the books and toys to herself. She made herself right at home after hanging her stuff in a cubby, opening tubs and taking books off the shelf to show me. I had a chance to chat with her teachers, Miss Rachel and Miss Marissa. We both left feeling excited about preschool!

Me and my Preschooler!

On February 28th, the day after Addie turned 3, she had her first official day of preschool. She was so excited to go! After breakfast, she said, "Me go school Emmy." and then she gave Emily 5 kisses behind each ear. This is something my mom used to do for Dylan and I when we were little - a kiss on each fingertip tucked behind each ear, so we could pull them out whenever we needed them through the day. After giving Emily kisses, she did the same for Elizabeth and then for me. When it was time to take Addie to school, we all drove to Woodglen, where we waited outside the school with the other preschoolers and their families for the teachers to open the doors and lead the kids to their classrooms. I expected tears when those doors opened, but instead, Addie saw her teachers, beamed a big smile, and marched right in the building. She didn't even glance back. What a brave girl!

Three hours later, we went to pick Addie up. When she saw me, her eyes got teary, and she ran to me, squealing "Mommy!" Her teachers told me she'd asked about home a few times and got a little teary through the day, but she made it! Go Addie!

Addie with her first piece piece of schoolwork