They're Growing Up!

Today, Friday, April 27, 2012, our girls had their first day at PRESCHOOL! Now granted it's for 1 day a week for now, but it's a huge event in the girls' lives. Mike and I had been talking about this since they turned two. Okay...arguing is more appropriate as we had a difference of opinion. I felt they should start earlier, he didn't. We finally agreed to wait until they turned three and start them out one day a week. The plan is to eventually increase them to 3 or even full time. For now, one day a week.

We have heard many stories in regard to a child's first day at preshool/daycare. Some dive right in, while other scream so badly even the professional caregivers ask they be taken home. Our niece was one who screamed and was pulled out. She was put back several months later and did well. Perhaps she wasn't ready. We were concerned this might happen to our girls.

Up until today, Eva and Rose have only know Baba, Daddy, and Auntie as their primary caregivers. We did not really know what to expect. the pictures in our minds ran the gamut from the girls waltzing in holding hands, spewing forth flowers and love to all they meet and touch, to, sonic screaming meemies making the eardrums of the caregivers bleed and stopping just shy of a Linda Blair head rotation moment and projectile action. WHEW! The latter did not happen.

Since we made the decision on the date, we have been prepping them for almost a month. Talking to them about school, telling them how much fun it was going to be, and in general getting them very excited about going. It worked..another big sigh of relief. So this week has been about preparing everything.

This morning was a mad dash and a departure from the routine as we had to feed, clean, clothe, and shoot out the door. We got in early, we spent a few minutes at the office, then headed down the street to the facility which is in walking distance of our office. We got them in their new classroom, and while they were distracted and exploring with the teacher, beat a hasty retreat...a "throw 'em in the water to teach them to swim" first day approach.

In the afternoon, I gave the place a call to see how the girls were doing and they reported they were doing fantastic! We promptly went to pick them up at 4:30 and they were in the playground. Eva saw us first, she gave us a token whimper and a look of "Where the Hell have you been!" Rose...she was too busy still running around. But, once she saw us, came running. Of course, the teacher told us that around 4, Rose kept putting on her coat, standing by the door, and announcing "I'm ready to go home now!" Yup...that's our girl.

We gave them a special treat for their first day, picked up pizza, ate dinner, and let them run amok. They were still wired from the day. By bedtime, they started to crash, Eva barely making it past her second tickle, tickle before passing out.

The most important thing in all this...they had a great time! We'll see what happens next week. Mike thinks now that they know we'll be dropping them off, they'll not be as accommodating. We can only wait and see.

Our girls are growing up. It's hard to believe 3 years ago we were just in India for baby pick-up!