Madeline's First Day

Madeline had her first day of 2 year old preschool this morning. We decided to send her to our church's preschool Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. After this week's experiences learning about the program, meeting the staff, and seeing Madeline's eagerness to "meet her teacher" (that's what she says when she's going to/talking about school), I couldn't be more pleased with our decision. Of course, we were "those parents" documenting every inch of the morning with our first born's first day of school ever experience!

Madeline is not used to waking up early ~ over the summer, we've allowed her to stay up later, nap later, and therefore wake up the next morning later. I had to wake her this morning, and she was a pretty good sport about it. After all, she did remember that she was going to "meet her teacher" today! She had her breakfast on our screened in porch, and she needed a few minutes to get herself together.
Breakfast of champions --- toast with cream (bagel w/ cream cheese) & milk --- Once Madeline got herself together, she was eager to wave hello to the camera.

Hanging out with Daddy and her kitty...leaving the house without a baby, excessive jewels & accessories, purses, and/or a stuffed animals was a tiny bit tricky. Mommy doesn't allow these things to the classroom (unless it's a special share day), and the school discourages it as well.

And, here's the reaction I received when I told Madeline she had to leave behind her kitty and her bracelets...she was not happy with her Mommy!

Madeline perked up once we got outside, but as you can see, she was protesting the camera with her lack of smiles.

The new tote bag (purse!) was a hit and elicited a few half-hearted smiles.

Once Madeline realized her bag was packed and ready to go, she was ready to "meet her teacher!" Yes, it's huge, but I figured she could grow into it over the next couple of years.

Leading the way to the car

Notice Mama's big smile as we were about to leave ~ I'm really excited about Madeline's program for two reasons...I know this whole school thing is right up her alley, & I have some free mornings to myself before Baby Sister arrives.

Madeline is all smiles!

I didn't get any pictures of her in the classroom or with her teacher as the staff believes it is much easier to start the first day with the normal routine carpool. (They don't allow us Mamas to walk our kids in on the first day simply because sometimes it's harder on everyone, so they have the "normal routine rule". I'm all for it...being a former classroom teacher, I understand how hard the first few days can be on the child, the parent, and the teacher.) Madeline was waving out the window as soon as she caught glimpse of Mrs. Lisa coming to our car door. She greeted Madeline, unbuckled her from her seat, got her up from the car, and escorted her inside to the room. Madeline cheerfully went along with the whole process, and I was so happy for her. I teared up just a tiny bit :) because she looked like such a big girl holding Mrs. Lisa's hand, toting her bag, and waving bye to me.

When I picked her up at noon, she was all smiles, exhausted, and very thirsty! Mrs. Lisa gave us the thumbs up & said that Madeline did wonderfully and seemed to be really happy throughout the entire three hours.