Life as an Osborne: Preschool

Earlier this summer Steve and I decided to enroll our little sweetness into a preschool program. Our main reason was so that she could learn to interact and socialize with other children since she is around adults all the time, and doesn't really have any friends other than her beloved Henry and Jack that live in Cary. After researching quite a few different programs, we settled on a church SFYC preschool program that I have heard nothing but great things about. Even though she will be 2 in only a few short months, their classes are divided by age groups based on birthdays, just like the normal school system, so she is the oldest in her class of "one years." Although she is the oldest in a class of seven children, there are about three other children in there that are only a few days or a month behind London. So far, this has been a great experience for her and she seems to really like everyone, especially the teachers. But it's been hard as well. Not only for her, but for me too.

Her class only meets twice a week for 3 hours a day, but it has been something completely different for London, and for myself so we have been struggling with the adjustment. On the first day of school, they only held class for an hour and the mothers were allowed to attend to help the children get acquainted with one another and the teachers. London was very shy that day but eventually warmed up within the last 5 minutes and started playing some with the other children. On the second day, the mommies weren't allowed so we had to drop the kids off for a two hour class. London cried. And I cried. But thankfully, she didn't hesitate to go to the teacher who comforted her as I walked away, barely able to see in front of me because of the tears in my eyes. I can't tell you the pain in my heart to hear my baby yell "mommy, hold you! Peeasse mommy hold you!" and having to turn my back on her and walk away. I know it's for her own good, and I would rather do it now than later, but my heart broke into a million pieces. Thankfully, when I went to pick up London I was able to peek in the window and saw that she was dancing, and singing, and hugging her new friend Ruby. And when she saw me, she lit up like a firefly and said "dere's my mommy!" Each day has been a bit easier, but it's still hard for me to let her go, even though the teacher says she only cries for about 30 seconds and then is completely fine. Maybe I'm having a tougher time because I am seeing my little angel grow up to be this independent, strong willed little girl who is so sensitive and nurturing, and sweet and I'm sad because time is flying by so quickly!

Anyways...so thanks to her wonderful teachers who have posted a private shutterfly page full of pictures they take in class to keep the parents updated on everything, I have a few pictures of London at preschool!

This was taken today...playing on the playground!