big girl on campus

big girl on campus
Kitschy Digitals' Pretty Felt Feathers + Thrift Store Grab Bag + Granny's Sewing Basket + Calico Dream + Echo Park Hybrids' Springtime Alpha/Element 1 + Springtime Paper/Element 1 @ JessicaSprague.com

My 22-month-old loves to visit her kindergartener sister at school and all the kids in the class seem to love her! Some photos from today's surprise visit at lunch and recess.




 

kindy update

On Day 2, Sofi said kindergarten was "a little more" fun. She was a lot more animated and forthcoming about what she did. She told me she got two stars from the teacher and rattled off the names who got one and who got two. (already showing a competitive side?) She told me who she showed the little love note I left in her lunchbox. Who she sat next to on the bus. What she did in P.E. And she was very excited to hear that I would be volunteering in class this week. I'll be taking individual photos of each of her classmates on Thursday! Her words: "I heard you were going to be taking photos of the kids in class!" I felt good about that. Having worked in her pre-school for two years, it did feel a bit strange not to be involved in the classroom. This seemed like a perfect opportunity. There was a little drama with getting on the bus. She clung to Jamie and was the last one on the board. And right before she got on she noticed her wristband with her bus info was not on her wrist. But it was too late to do anything. Jamie called to tell me and I decided to drive down to school to drop an extra one off. Turns out, her wristband had just migrated up her arm! So the teacher cut of the original and put on the new one.


On Day 3, she was still the last one to board the bus, but with less clingyness. When the bus went around the block to leave our street, it passed our house. Jamie happened to be walking back at that moment and waved to Sofi who was sitting in the front seat. She was ALL smiles. When I picked her up, I asked her again: How was kindergarten? She said: A little more fun. After we got home, I decided to break out the new paints I got on Monday. Both girls did a little art then shared a snack.

Then Sofi wanted to play a game where she was the teacher and I was student Sofia. It was a great way for her to act out what goes on in the classroom instead of prying it out of her with endless questions. I found out that her art teacher has "two babies inside her" and will be going on maternity leave soon. I found that when they go to art class, the kids hold hands. One kid is assigned to be the leader and one is the door opener/holder. I found out that her teacher is teaching them about respect and manners. I found out who the tallest kids in the class are. I found out that one of the boys wears glasses. I found out that the teachers thinks there are many "good readers" in the class. And on and on.

Tomorrow, I will be going to the class to take photos. Wish me luck! I know it will be fun but I hope all the photos turns out well.

sigh of relief

I've been having anxiety dreams all week.
Two milestones were looming and I was a wee bit (A LOT) nervous about them.

#1: Sofi will attending kindergarten......next fall. But the prep for next year is gearing up. Informational meetings (the first one is tonight!) Decisions to be made. All day vs half-day. Even which school to go to. I know Sofi is ready but it is big leap from half-day, 3 days/week with lots of parental participation to all-day, 5 days a week with little to no parental presence in the classroom.

More pressing was
#2: Leaving Zara in the nursery for the first time. At the co-op, I volunteer in the classroom twice a month. Until now, I was able to carry Zara around in my Bjorn. But once she turned 7 months, she was supposed to be in the nursery. Luckily, the universe conspired to make our first time as smooth as possible. I was able to switch with another mom to do purple apron - a physically less demanding job than my assigned blue apron. The nursery was moved to downstairs - closer to the classroom and easier to access. The mom scheduled to be in the nursery was super-helpful and understanding. She even carried my stroller up and down the stairs for me! There also happened to be lots of "extra" parents at school today, offering a hand whenever possible.

For the most of school, Zara was fine - I didn't hear any crying for a long time. But I knew she was tired. She usually naps while Sofi is at school, so when i finally did hear her crying I swooped in and nursed her and she quickly went to sleep. Then, I was able to hangout with another mom who had her baby in her frontpack until we re-joined the kids on the playground.

So yes, a big sigh of relief. Hopefully, next month will be even easier.