Emily's School II

The Toddler play area at SMA.

On the bulletin board!

Ok so I have to blog about how I'm doing with this new school experience. Way back in February St. Michaels Academy had an open house and we took a small tour. Emily was not yet walking and that concerned us but we liked the school program and decided to register her for the upcoming year. Between February and September I kept taking her to storytime at the Euless and Hurst libraries so she could get used to being around other kids. The first day of school kept getting closer and I started to panic a little bit. Afterall, this is my baby and we're like a daily duo. I bought Emily her first nap mat and got her used to laying on it.

Knowing Emily was only two and couldn't really comprehend what school means, it was hard talking to her about it because she didn't understand. My mom bought her some books about going to school and Emily flipped through them while Jon and I explained what happens at school. Still, on that first morning we did our normal routine but then we made our way to school. Emily was confused and apprehensive. She had met her teachers the week before but now it was time to separate. I don't know who took it the hardest, me or her. But I'll never forget her face and the tears on her cheek as I handed her to her teacher and walked away. Luckily there was someone with the program there to talk to me and assure me that everything would be ok and to lead me to the "Parents Cry Room". As I tried to stop my tears I kept telling myself that Emily would be ok and that all first days are difficult in some way.

When 2:30 came at last, I waited outside Emily's room with the other moms. I was so excited to see her again and to find out how she did without me. Once the door opened all these small faces turned to the doorway and then the crying started. Emily saw me and immediately cried and shook and held out her arms. It was like a relieved cry and I tried my best to stay calm and smiling. The teacher said Emily had a good time once she stopped crying but that she didn't want to nap.

School is a big adjustment for both of us and I'm sure we'll get used to it as the months go by.