Hannah and Owen Start Preschool

We've had a lot going on lately, but definitely the most exciting thing for our family has been the start of preschool even though it is bittersweet because it means my babies are growing up.  I started thinking about preschool awhile ago and Renee and I toured preschools together back in February.  My mind was pretty much already set on Gingerbread Cottage for a number of reasons and I'm so glad that is where our kids are!  As the start of preschool approached we read stories, talked about what their day would be like, and mommy made arrangements for special outfits to be worn.  Before the first day Mommy and Daddy had to go to orientation and meet the teachers and then Hannah and Owen had a kids orientation and meet the teacher day.  We also had to buy and drop off school supplies and lots of paperwork.  It kind of gave me a better understanding of what parents in my class go through at the start of every school year.  Hannah and Owen were excited about the start of preschool, but Hannah especially was very anxious.  We decided to put them in separate classrooms for the sake of their teacher.  We were afraid there would be too many sibling issues that would interfere with their daily behavior if they had to share their teacher and classroom space.  It was a good choice and they love having some special individual time each day.  The start of preschool was also bittersweet because we had to experience without our dear friend who would have been over the moon impressed with Gingerbread and excited about the year to come with our kids (Hannah, Owen, and Avery) sharing this experience together.  Fortunately the excitement of the day helped to balance the sadness that we also felt in our hearts.

Kids Orientation Day:

 Owen, Hannah, and Avery pose with their new bags, snack bags, and t shirts after meeting their teacher and exploring their room.

Owen longingly checks out the playground.  

First Day of Preschool:

The night before preschool was rough.  Hannah and Owen had a lot of trouble falling asleep and were anxious and excited about their first day.  We probably talked too much about it the night before, but I felt like they needed to be prepared.  They finally fell asleep at 10pm!  Owen woke up early and was bouncing with excitement and grinning from ear to ear.  It took Hannah a few minutes to realize the actual day had arrived, but she quickly figured out what was going on when I put on jeans instead of work attire.  The first question she asked was, "When does preschool stop?" which was followed by tears and sobbing.  I think she cried at least 4 different times between 7:30 and 8:45am, but we managed to make it through breakfast and she got excited to get dressed and take pictures.  They both eagerly got in the car and then the tears came back for Hannah when we pulled in the parking lot.  We distracted her by playing eye spy and then her teacher did a great job of getting her attention when she opened the car door by telling her that Avery was inside looking for her (which was true).  Hannah got out the car without realizing what happened.  They all had a great day.  Hannah had a minor moment once inside and thankfully Chris' cousin Jennifer was there to help Hannah through it, but there was no looking back after that.  Mommy managed to make it through the day without crying too.  The second day of preschool was rough too in the morning and for drop off (Hannah's hands had to be pried off the headrest of the front seat), but by day 3 she was all smiles.  Now they love it and it has been so fun to see their work and hear what they have to say each day!

 When we picked Hannah and Owen up from preschool we headed to Chickfila with Lala, Gaga, Rachel (Avery's grandmother, grandfather, and aunt) for a 1st day of preschool celebration.  We managed to get some pictures outside before eating lunch.  These pictures make my heart happy (and sad) all at the same time.  Hannah and Avery looked so cute in their dresses that were lovingly made by an MES parent...thanks Janette!

It was a great first day of preschool and I was happy with the time we shared with friends (who are practically family) and the special ness that was created for Hannah, Owen, and Avery on this special day.  I can't believe that my babies are old enough for preschool, but I'm excited for this new phase of their life.  I know they will learn important lessons, make new friends, and hopefully begin a lifetime love of learning.