Luke's first day of preschool was last week. I know it is a little late to be starting preschool but we have been trying for months to get him into a special preschool that will help him with language development and we finally were able to get a spot. I have been really hesitant to start him in preschool at such a young age. I don't know why. I always wanted to be one of those Moms who plays with her children all day long and teaches them everything they need to know (before they are 4 or 5...I've never dreamed of homeschooling). When people asked me if I would start Luke in preschool at age 3, I always gave a definitive "no way". I like the idea of having my children home with me as long as I possibly can and showering them with every last bit of parental influence I can possibly emit.
But, as it turns out, as good as those intentions may have been and assuredly are for most people, I was actually being obtuse and close-minded. Trust me, I've been sufficiently humbled the last few months to recognize that. But don't give up on me...I'm learning.
One of the lessons I've been reminded of (and it hasn't been the first time I've had to learn it) is that as much as I want to keep Luke little and savor every moment of his childhood, my ultimate job is to help him grow up. I need to be more serious about that. Instead of feeling sad about it, I should still savor and enjoy but be more practical about what is best for him and his growth. After all, that is what God does for me.
You may think I'm being a little dramatic (that shouldn't surprise you) but let me remind you that this preschool is EVERYDAY for 2.5 hours. I still think that is probably a little overboard but I'll give it a shot.
Oops. Doors locked. It was actually Sunday evening and we were just doing a little mock "first day of school". I know, we're dorks. His real "first day" picture is only the first one at the top of the post.
Did I mention that he adores his teachers? They are amazing (and one of them is from Japan so of course, I instantly loved her). Luke puts up a major fuss when I ask him to put his backpack on, but for them he puts it on immediately. He is excited to see his new little friends each day and sits nicely at the table during snack time.
He's growing up.
These two pictures are not the same. I know you think they are, but to me they are different :)
6 comments:
Those pictures are melting my heart. (And I'm not even his Mom!) He's adorable in those little blonde curls and that backpack is so cute. Preschool is a big step! I'm excited for him that he gets to go!
ditto on Krista's comments about how cute Luke is in these pics... and I can't wait to hear how it is going!
WOW! Can't wait to hear about this new adventure! The more people I talk to, the more I come across people whose kiddos are in speech therapy, and they all report significant improvements within a short amount of time. I hope that your feelings about sending him off so young are outweighed by the progress you see! You can do it!
As a speech therapist...I think you made a great decision (although I have no idea was his language skills are). He will do great and learn lots...guaranteed his teachers love him and have his best interests at heart!
As a mom who cried when her 3 year old went into Sunbeams, I can understand it's hard to let them grow up. On the bright side...a little more 1 on 1 time with Cam!! Maybe he'll get a little more attached to you, Lauren. We're really worried about how he doesn't like to be around you (snicker-snicker!!)
I know I'm practically a month late in commenting - but how is this all going?!?! I read this shortly after signing L up for preschool here and feel EXACTLY the same way you do. Oh man I wish they could be in the same class together. You know, I'm grateful that life keeps moving and providing us opportunities to grow and learn. But when I see pictures of Luke and how much he has already changed I sometimes get a little mad and wish I could be there and see it for myself. I really want to hear all about his school, and his speech, and you and Cammy having more time just the two of you, and what you all are doing. Can we catch up please??
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