First Day of Preschool

I've been thinking about this day off and on since Kelsey wrote this post about her daughter's first day of preschool. I remember that was the first time it really hit me that eventually, at some point, there would be a part of my daughter's day of which I was not aware. Not in charge. Not directing. At the time Katy was 20 months old and I couldn't imagine it. My gut reaction was: NO! Whenever it is, it's too soon! I can't do it!

But today was the first step in that direction. I dropped her off at preschool, left her there, and came back to pick her up - a whole hour and a half later (today was called a "gentle start." most days are 2 and a half hours). Of course I've been away from her for longer than that before, but this was different. The teachers will be regular, instructional, authoritative people in her life over the next few months. This is school. The beginning of a new rhythm to our years from here on out.

But you know what? We were totally ready. She was ready. I was ready. Shoot, David and Brian were ready. Call me a cold-hearted snake (look into his eyes), but I really wasn't sad. I was proud and excited. I felt confident that this was the time and the right place for our family. She's been asking about this for months, she wasn't nervous at all. She ran into the room and I had to ask her to come back and give me a hug and a kiss. She jumped up and down when I came back to get her, and we talked all the way home about her day. Here's the conversation (roughly), which included more information than I thought I would get:

M: So what did you do at school?

K: I listened to my teachers! I made a hand[print]! Mrs. G helped me!

M: Was it a kissing hand? (this was on the calendar)

K: Yes!

M: Did you read a story about a kissing hand?

K: Yes!

M: Why was it a kissing hand? (I really had no idea)

K: Because the mommy bear kissed with her hand like this (kisses palm)...(I see now that it's a raccoon instead of a bear)

M: What else did you do?

K: Had snack! I don't know what it was. Something like cookies or something.

M: Did you have circle time?

K: No, just story time.

M: Did you sing songs?

K: No.

M: Did you play with friends?

K: Yes, but I don't know who.

M: Did you share?

K: (change in tone) Yes...but Mommy? I was trying to make a pattern with the butterflies and I took some from that other girl's pile and she took them back from me, and THAT MAKES ME VERY ANGRY!

She used that line about "making her very angry" several times today, usually when David was taking something of hers, so I have a feeling that was harped on today at school. I'm not sure if it was directly to Katy or to the class in general. Eeesh.

I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but she and David have been in such a good mood today. They've been playing and laughing, even though we've been stuck inside because of rain. Maybe we're all just a little bit excited about this new season. Not to be getting my hopes up, but I think it will be good for our family.