Daniel's First Day of Preschool

Our little boy is growing up! It is hard to believe that 3.5 years ago he was born, let alone that today was his first day of preschool. Daniel has been so very excited about going to preschool which has been wonderful to see and hear. He has been talking about it for weeks and asking how many days until he starts going. Last night he was really excited, so much so he didn't go to sleep until around 9pm because he just kept asking about preschool and telling us that when he wakes up he would go to preschool. All his excitement really eased my nerves about him going as I knew he would love it.

This morning Daniel woke up and came to me and said 'Mummy, do you know what I'm going to be doing today?' I said silly things like staying home all day, sitting on the grass, going to the moon. He told me "No! I'm going to preschool!" and jumped up and down a lot. He then kept asking when he would be able to go to preschool. James was able to work from home this morning so he could come to the drop off which was really nice for him to experience. 

Daniel's excitement continued through the morning but he did twice mention a sore tummy at breakfast time. We encouraged him to go to the toilet to feel better. He did say 'My tummy is sore, so maybe I shouldn't go to preschool today' but he quickly got distracted and the excitement returned which was good. Poor little guy having some nerves about the whole new experience.

Daniel decided that he wanted Daddy to read him a story before doing some work so James was great and obliged.

We then had a little play outside with some new toys from one of Jenny's friends Jess. She was happy to give away some outside toys which the kids absolutely adore! Another car (so they now have one each), a petrol pump and a water playstation. Daniel was so excited about the car and the pump!

 Eliza had fun filling up the car too and also started to drive the car herself, slowly and not very far but it is a good start!

Mum and Dad then came around to look after Eliza so James and I could take Daniel to preschool and focus on just him. We took some 'First Day of Preschool' photos and decided that this location will be the 'first day of school' location too as he grows up.

Very proud Mummy and Daddy

Eliza wanted to join in the photo fun

James, Daniel and I then headed off to preschool. We were a little bit early but that was good, better to be early than late! We put his backpack on and then walked with him to his preschool, stopping to get the obligatory photo outside. We couldn't wipe the smile off his face!

Walking with Daddy and his massive backpack

 When we entered the room we were greeted by his teachers. Daniel was very keen to go to the playground but we convinced him to go into the classroom. He washed his hands, unpacked his bag (we tried to resist helping him as I want him to learn to do it on his own - a skill that is useful for when he goes to school) and put his things into the pigeon hole.  He signed his name in (a long way to go before he can write his own name. I don't know if I'm supposed to help him or if I just let him do it his way because the other names that were written were on the lines and so very neat! I might ask one week or ask one of the other mums). He then looked at some of the activities (the kitchen area making fruit salad, trains with Lachlan) and then settled at a game with Jill (the director of preschool) and a few other kids. He wasn't playing but he did enjoy watching them. James and I signed him in chatted with one of the other mums and then gave him a kiss on the head and said bye. We were lucky to get a bye but that was all, he was so curious about what was going on. Bless him.

The day then had Eliza and I hanging out. We read some books, chatted, played, hung out the washing, had lunch and then it was nap time. I was impressed that I managed to bring everything forward and have her in bed by 12:30. It was nice hanging out with her and being able to focus on her without Daniel around but I need to start thinking about what to do with a little person again. I did like the peacefulness of the house but I did also miss Daniel.

I woke Eliza at 2:30 and we got organised and went to pick up Daniel. Eliza happily walked to the door but then got upset when I asked her to open it. I think she was worried I was going to leave her there. Ha. Daniel was sitting at the same game that we left him at this morning rolling the dice. He didn't have his shoes on, but that sometimes happens at creche so I wasn't too surprised. What did surprise me was that Daniel was still in the same shorts! He had used the toilet and kept dry undies. Wow! His teacher, Alison, mentioned that they did a lot of toilet trips with everyone but that it helps them get used to the toilet room and going when they need to. I told Daniel that we needed to go so he moved to the floor to play with the magnetic shapes to build a racing track. He then played that for 10mins until I could convince him to head home. Eliza helped pack up the toys which was cute. We then went to find his shoes and he said that they were wet and in his bag. The teachers said they got wet during outside play so they were off to dry. They told me that he had a great time pretending to be a fireman outside, wearing the jacket and using the hose. They said that he was fine the whole day, followed the instructions and did each activity without question. :-)

We headed home and Daniel was so chatty in the car about how he did painting, played in the sandpit, played with the trains, balanced on the equipment, how he has lots of new friends (but can't remember any of their names). I was so happy to hear him chatting about his day. 

When we got home he and Eliza had a bath and then he decided to read 'We're going on a bear hunt' to Eliza. I was surprised that he was happy to chat with her/read with her/play with her as I thought he'd be a lot more sensitive and emotional. He even said to me "I am keeping an eye on Eliza, Mummy."

We then Facetimed Nana and Poppy to tell them about preschool and Daniel was so excited. He launched straight into it and was very happy. It was beautiful to see.

We then Facetimed Nana J and Boompa to tell them about preschool and he again was so very excited about everything he did. He did start by saying "I went to preschool today but I don't remember what I did. What did I do Mummy?" I guess he will start to learn that I wasn't there so he will need to remember or he will start to say 'nothing' or 'stuff'. As Julie messaged after - It was such a joyous and excited conversation with Daniel! Priceless!
I have to agree with her. You can just see the delight in his face.

 The kids had dinner and then a short play and chat when Daddy got home and then it was bedtime. I was expecting Daniel to crash out straight away but he decided he needed to play for a while before sleeping. He did go to sleep around 30mins after bedtime.

I am so glad that he loved his first day of preschool. I am so glad that he is very excited to head back tomorrow. I am looking forward to hearing about his days. I am looking forward to days to spend with Eliza. Here's hoping the joy of learning continues.