E's First Day at Chalk Preschool

Today was Evan's first day of preschool!!   Where have the last 2 years gone?   It's hard to believe that he will be at school amongst his friends and teachers without any family or friends caring for him.  This was his first time and boy did he know it.   The last 2 weeks Dave and I have been talking to E about what to expect, that Daddy and Mommy cannot go with him to school and that we will be dropping him off.   E would, in his own words, repeat what we were saying and seemed quite happy about it.   Well...this morning he was not so happy.   He was fussing and whining for a good portion of the morning, particularly when I told him I wanted to take some pictures of him on his first day of school.   There may be no smile before going to school but he sure was all smiles afterwards.

As we made our way outside, E became reluctant to take pictures.  The reality of going to school had sunk in.

After I persuaded him that we needed to take some pictures for his grandparents, he moved to the far end of our yard, stood straight faced, and willing.  Phew!

(the monkey E has in his hands is his favorite zoo animal which 

was his assignment/to share with the class)

We dropped Evan off in the 'Blue Room' with his teachers, Miss Agnes, Miss Megan, and his classmates.  As soon as we set foot in the classroom E didn't waste any time making himself comfortable.   He jumped right.   He ran over to the classroom's play kitchen to check it out and also looked and touched a few small toys sitting on one of the classroom's tables.  When it was time for Dave and I to say goodbye, E hesitated to stop mid play and give Dave and I a hug/kiss and say goodbye.  

I'll be honest, I think I was more nervous about E's first day than Evan.   I didn't cry, and I thought I would, I just worried that he cry the whole time or worse, bite another child.  Despite my fears, I was hopeful he would enjoy his time there, make friends, respect his teachers, and cooperate.  Luckily I received no calls.   What a relief!   Even more of a relief was when Dave and I went to pick E up.  We were so eager to hear how he did at his first day that we practically ran into the school.    As soon as we arrived we were greeted (as we usually are) by the director.   She instantly told us how great he did.  All smiles and beaming with happiness, we walked back to his classroom and took a peak.  Before Evan saw us we saw E sitting on a small couch.   His teacher was reading a story.   Of course, in true E fashion, Evan wasn't just sitting on the couch, he was wiggling around like a wiggly little worm.  Although he was quiet and listening as he observed those around him.   As soon as Dave and I walked in and E saw us, smiled and ran up to us to give us a huge bear hug.   He couldn't get his words out fast enough.   We could tell he had so much to tell us.  The first thing he said was "jump house".   Chalk preschool is attached to Pump It Up so day for a half hour his class goes to play.   We knew that would steal his heart and be his most favorite activity of the day.   Boy were we right!  After E filled us in on his day (well the jump house part)  Miss Agnes told us that E did a great job.  She was pleased with how social he is.   No surprises there ;0)   She also gave us a run down of what they did and how great he did.  Dave and I couldn't have been any more proud of Evan.  He did SO well and liked it SO much that he didn't want to leave.   We are hoping Evan is looking forward to the year that lies ahead as much as we are.

Way to Go Evan!!!