snapshots: a photograph (or several) and an isolated observation (or several) about the past week (or so)
It was the little things.
I started noticing the way Aliza says good morning to every single person in the grocery store.
How she asks to see people by name, Asho an Bitney? Dawn an Juweya? Tetya Kewie?
How she goes off to play on her own at playdates when just a few months ago she clung to me and burst into tears if I so much as went to the bathroom without her.
I noticed things in myself, feeling like an hour or two to myself wasn’t enough anymore to re-charge and to be fully present for her all day. I was losing my temper, losing my sense of self, not being the best parent I could be.
So I listened to what she seemed to be saying to me…I’m ready to move on, are you ready to let me mom?
I made a phone call and put her on a wait list for a place I adored. A wonderful place with caring staff, a lovely environment, philosophies that align with our personal ones.
After several weeks of observations, and forms, a test run and getting her new backpack packed and re-packed…
She started “school” last week.
We are both boldly going where we have not gone before.
Wish us luck on the journey.
Tags: parenting a toddler, preschool
Good luck to the both of you!
Beautiful snapshots & lovely words. As always.
Oh good luck. I love all of these, even the one of her upset. School starting was always harder on me than on the girls b/c they’d walk into the place and never look back. The boy, though? Oh, he has his good days, but there are days when he protests so much I simply want to call in to work and go home and watch The Hat (Toy Story) all day. Also, how cute is her hat!
Good luck! I totally know how you feel & did the same with my little guy. I hope that the breather renews you, and I hope your little sweetie loves school. Gorgeous photos!
Don’t you just DIE when they first put on that backpack? I did the same with K back in September. I really think you’re both going to love it.
xo
Yah for preschool! She will love playing with the other kids.
Oh good luck! She definitely sounds ready!
Good luck! It sounds like you really listened to her cues; I’m sure she’ll love it!
The pictures are precious…especially the last two! Good luck! I’m sure you will both be fine!
Awwww — the picture of her with the backpack is just too much cute. Best of luck to her, though I’m sure she’ll have no issues fitting in.
It’s a brave new world! Welcome!
Aw, so exciting! Good luck to both of you!
Oh, good luck! I know that must have been hard, but she will thrive, I’m sure of it. That’s my one saving grace from the working mommy guilt – the knowledge that my daughter could not be happier in her daycare setting, and that she’s blossoming from it both socially and developmentally.
And that pic of her walking away from you with the backpack? I felt your ache there, hon.
Oh, this is huge! Such mixed feelings, but she will love it…and the time will be a blessing for you. xoxo
Oh my gosh, that picture of her wearing the backpack just melts my heart! Little girl growing up… Beautiful blog and photos!
p.s. I found you from Momcomm’s before/after post today.
I also found you on Momcomm’s before/after post. Your blog has a clear and unique voice and personality, love it!
…and the photo with the backpack is seriously cute