And Then My Name Was MAMA: A time to be Thankful

It has been officially three weeks - at the end of this week - since Grayson started Preschool. What a whirlwind of emotions! By drop off on the Friday of his second week he had already become acclimated to the routine and I cried for the sole reason that he didn't cry and cling to me. Me- his Mommy. My arms are where his safe place will ALWAYS be. However it is now his 3rd week of school and he now has adapted very well. He puts his snack and back pack in the correct bins before going directly to his teacher to give her a hug. I have to gently remind him to give Mommy a hug and kiss. I am saddened by this but feel relieved. Relieved that he has adapted so quickly, relieved that he is in a happy and safe place when I am not there to be his safe haven, relieved that he is being cared for with love and nurturing as I do in our home, relieved that he is growing and learning, relieved that he is having fun, but I am most relieved to know that there is another place that he can feel safe. More importantly another place that Mommy can feel confident leaving him for those few hours because my little guy is being well taken care of. Isn't this the most important factor in choosing a Preschool facility? Having teachers who care and are nurturing while nourishing our children's minds.

Today at Grayson's school they had a Thanksgiving Picnic. Parents were able to bring a blanket and lunch and join together with our little ones in the courtyard for a Thanksgiving lunch. Out came our little G-man, hand in hand with a new buddy, wearing his adorable tie dyed shirt (he chose the colors) and his Thanksgiving crown. My heart melted as he ran over to David, Starr and I in such excitement to see us all there. We enjoyed lunch, chatted with another friendly couple, and enjoyed the classroom friendship snack that the kids helped make. It was the best lunch ever.........until my G-man got sick! It is undetermined whether it was the heat, not eating breakfast this morning, the sweet snack mix, being sick...and/or a combination of all of the above. He did run away from us and straight to the park (playground) right after his sour tummy episode. His teachers were so accommodating, Mrs. Krugman provided wipes and paper towels. His other teacher, Mrs. Petersen, gave him a hug and told him that she hopes he feels better (Heart Melt). She also spent time reassuring me of how well Grayson is doing in class. Which made me feel much better about our decision to start him in Preschool now verses a year from now.

Not surprised at all by his color selections

Friendship Snack

As I sit and nurse my little one back to better health I reflect on all the changes/accomplishments Preschool has provided in just 3 short weeks. Grayson has made a sticker picture, made a turkey feather for the classroom turkey, donated food for the food drive, goes to chapel weekly, has had karate, had a visit India day, donated a shoebox full of toys for a 2-4 year old boy (Samaritan's Purse-Operation Christmas Child), drew a "cow", made a tie dyed shirt, helped make a "friendship snack", learned a cute song prayer (still trying to figure out the words), is learning songs for the Christmas show, has overcome initial drop off, is still excited and Happy at pick up, has adjusted to his new routine, and is gaining more independence everyday. As much as this breaks my heart to see him needing me less and less even if only in mere centimeters, It warms my heart to watch him grow as an individual. At the end of the day he will always know that his safe haven will forever be in my
arms.