Leah Starts Preschool

Is Leah really old enough to be starting preschool?  I was torn between letting her start this year and waiting until she was 4.  I didn't want to let her go so soon, I wanted to have more time with her (I know, it is only 2.5 hours a day 3 days a week).  On the other hand, she is so ready...she knows her letters and all the sounds they make,she knows all of her colors, she can count to 20, and she keeps asking me to teach her how to read.  (Sorry, had to brag a little!)  Everytime we drive by the elementary school she asks when she gets to go.  So, even though I was not ready...she was!

We talked about it often the week leading up to the first day of school.  Leah has always been a daddy's girl, but the more we talked about school the more she wanted me, and the more she wanted to cuddle with me.  (Something I normally have to bribe her to do.)   Wow, she was really going to miss me!!

Then came the first day of school.  She was ready an hour before we needed to leave, backpack on and all.  She was so excited the whole drive over and she even ran up to the door.  Then the door opened...she started to cry.  I put her in her desk...she started to scream.  Ms. Wendy too her from me...she started to kick and scream.  Apparently this went on for 30 minutes and she even added in throwing things!  Wow, she really WILL miss me!

Then there was day two.  Travis and I both walked her over to school.  She was pretty excited to go to school and even more excited to have daddy walk over with us.  We went up to the door, she started to cry a little.  I put her in her desk and gave her a hug and kiss.  By the time I got to the door she had a hulk-like grip around my leg.  It took two of us to get her off.  I handed her to Ms. Wendy and walked out.  She only cried for 2 minutes and then was fine and even had fun.  Once again...she really misses me!

Now for day three.  I watch a set of triplet boys on Thursdays that are Leah's age.  Boy was Leah excited that they were going to walk her to school today.  Not to mention they were a little excited to be walking Leah to school.  The funniest thing was that they walked her to school like they were her little body guards.  Once again, Leah was excited to go to school!  I took her in, gave her a hug and kiss, and put her at her desk.  She didn't cry...until...she realized the boys were not staying with her!  Then it was just the saddest cry I have ever heard!  Now...she really misses THEM! 

It just took a little getting used to, but once she was comfortable she had a lot of fun.  When I pick her up she can't stop talking about everything she did at school and what she is going to be doing next time.  I am glad we decided to have her start preschool this year and I love watching her learn.