First Day of Preschool

I remember when my twins were only 10 months old and we were in the car listening to "First Day of School" by the Imagination Movers (my kids loved them).  I turned to Mr. B and asked if he could picture what their first day of school would be like.  It feels like that scenario took place just yesterday.  But I remember thinking it seemed like such a long time away at that point.  

Well that day finally arrived today.  

Breakfast before first day of preschool.  Mr. B in the background getting their backpacks ready (I love that he's so helpful).

I know many moms (especially stay-at-home-moms like myself) look forward to this day.  But I'm not one of those moms.  I've been attached to my kids at the hip since the day they were born and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Yes, of course there are times when things get really tough and I NEED a break.  But 2 1/2 hours twice a week seems like too much for me.  Mr. B talked me into this for the most part.  And I know he's right (as much as I hate to admit it, he's right most of the time).  I know this is good for them.  But it's still hard for me to deal with.  

It took a long time to get them to both sit still for a picture this morning.  With all the talk about school over the past week they were very excited that today was the day.  I had to get a picture of them wearing their little name tags.  And no the blankies didn't go with them.

I've been trying not to think of this day since I enrolled them and up until yesterday I was doing pretty good with that.  But I could barely sleep last night.  Fufu and Nibbles are pretty attached to me so I was worried they would both have meltdowns when they realized I was going to leave them somewhere.  And I couldn't stand the thought of walking away from them while they're crying and reaching for me (which is what usually happens when I'm at a program with them and have to leave the room for a split second).  

In the stroller on our way to the school.  Fufu is not sleeping, just squished.

Nibbles about to walk through the school doors for the first time.

Fufu just before walking into the school.

The first morning of preschool is now over and I know I put them into the right program.  I'm happy to report that not a single tear was shed (at least not by Nibbles and Fufu).  The only crying session took place when Fufu spotted the container of snacks and he wanted to eat right away (he loves snack time).  As soon as we entered the classroom Nibbles went straight to the sandbox to make a chocolate sand cake and Fufu went to the kitchen area to make macaroni muffins (you know mommy cooks a lot when...).  

I have to confess that I did stay for the entire class.  But the teacher had me sit on a chair in the far back corner of the room.  My kids didn't even notice me and obviously didn't care if I was there or not.  At one point I left the room for a bit and apparently only Nibbles whimpered and asked for me but was easily distractable (I had a feeling he was watching me out of the corner of his eye, he's sneaky like that).  

I know they will benefit so much from this preschool experience.  They have already learned things today from watching other kids.  My boys can now drink from a regular cup without spilling it all over themselves (they were very dependent on sippy cups because mommy doesn't like messes) and they painted a picture without painting themselves first.  I have to say I'm quite impressed!

I'm so proud of them and how they played, sang and danced and shared so nicely today.  I can't wait he see all the new things they will learn and do over the next little while.

All in all, I couldn't have imagined a better first day of preschool.  Hopefully things will continue as smoothly as today.