School: Is It Really Just Around the Corner?

So here we are - three weeks before the start of school and I just switched Daniel to a different preschool. I had originally signed him up last May for a preschool not too far from where I live but a new preschool just opened up within walking distance of my house. I've spent the last two weeks agonizing over the decision of whether to switch him. It may seem like a no-brainer but there was a lot more to it and many questions that I needed answered. The bottom line is, Allison's old preschool teacher, who I absolutely adored, is now teaching at the new school near me and it turns out she is teaching the 3 year-old's - Daniel's class. I found this out a couple weeks ago when I randomly ran into her and she encouraged me to come by for a tour. I didn't think it was going to work out because when I looked into the school last spring, before they even opened, they weren't offering the part time hours I wanted. Well, I truly believe in fate and what's meant to happen will happen and I feel this was just meant to be - they had the hours I wanted, a wonderful teacher, and the location just can't be beat.

So today I officially signed Daniel up and then we went back to his classroom and talked to his teacher. We spent about 15-20 min there and Daniel had a great time playing and he appeared to feel very comfortable in his surroundings. Granted, there were only about 5 or 6 other kids in the room and Allison was also there playing with him (and of course I was there too), but to see that he was at least comfortable really put me at ease. Not to mention the fact that his teacher already knows him (she saw him every day when I picked dropped off and picked up Allison from preschool) and she just adores him - so I know he is in great hands. She knows what a cautious, reserved, quiet little boy he is. I know it's going to be a rough start for him. When I ask him if he is excited about starting school, he looks at me with a somewhat sad face and says "But you're not going to be there." But other times he seems excited. Allison also starts school the same day as Daniel - I'm interested to see how she adjusts this year - hopefully better than last. Now I have two kids to drop off - it was hard enough watching one cry every morning, I don't think I can take two!!

I can't believe Daniel is going off to school so soon. I started this blog right before Allison started school. Hard to believe that was almost three years ago!!! Today I went back and read this post which described my feelings about her starting school. It brought tears to my eyes because here I am three years later, almost in the same position, but this time it's seems so different. Now it's my youngest going off to school. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to finally, after 6 years, have time to myself during the day (He'll be going two days a week) but Daniel is my baby. I'm not sure which is harder - watching your first child go off to school or watching your youngest. I guess I'll find out in a couple weeks. So come Aug. 17 I may need your support, it's going to be a rough day. Until then, I'm going to enjoy every last minute of their summer vacation!