Zoey started the first week of September and moved into Miss Mallorie's class. This brought a couple of changes: staying a full day until 2:30, bringing a mat for "afternoon rest time" (or what I like to call "the teacher must clearly drug the children because how else do you get 12 kids to lay still on a mat" time) , and having a teacher that she didn't already know. Being in class with Miss Holly the past two years had the perk of her being a family friend and my grandma's neighbor. But Zoey has come to really like Miss Mallorie and "being in the big kids class".
First day, lunch box in hand:
You see those shoes she's wearing? I picked them out because they're Converse and adorable, the tops flip down for a two-tone liner. Fashionably solid choice. Practically-speaking, not so much. Sending a 4-year old to school with lace-up shoes and multiple liners equals shoes coming off for rest time and never going back on again.
She was very excited to see her favorite friend Dante again, they continue to be two peas in a pod. They spent their first day mooing at each other and alternating dinosaur impressions, I assume that's a gesture of amicability.
Though Miss Mallorie's classroom is not as colorful and whimsical as Miss Holly's, it does have two turtles in tanks that Zoey is fascinated with, a plethora of art supplies, and a giant box of dinosaurs. Both Zoey and Finn are way into dinosaurs. They can name several different types, love to watch dino documentaries, and dinosaurs are frequently the source of their imaginative pretend play. Plus it's great because whenever they ask me what a dinosaur is called I feel like I can totally give a fictional yet acceptable response. "Hey mom, what's this dinosaur called?" "Oh, that's a hoozyfloppalophus" or "Yep that one is a makeyourbedasaurus". Totally legit.
The next week was Finn's very first day of preschool. After two years of watching Zoey put on her backpack, carry a lunchbox, and go off to school in this fun creatively stimulating place, he was so excited that it was finally his turn. You could see the pride and anticipation when he put on his backpack, he puffed out his chest and high-stepped the whole way. Dude may as well have split the atom.
And what's awesome is that Zoey was almost just as excited as he was, she said "I'm happy that I get to have my brother with me at school today". P.S. Note the velcro shoes, which worked much better for school and did not elicit a shoelace-induced rage.
Being three years old, we had the option of starting Finn with the 2-3 year olds or the 3-4 year olds. We initially started him with the 2/3s in the twice-weekly morning class since he had just newly turned three years old. However it became evident after the first day that he would be better suited with the older kids, Miss Holly agreed. Being in class with the 3/4s is such a better fit, I think he will grow and learn really well there.
It actually makes me really proud, especially since a year ago he was in speech therapy and I wondered if he would even be ready to start preschool this year. Now he's skipped ahead a class and goes all day long. I realize it's only preschool, but the Mama Bear in me is all "Yeah that's my BOY, rocking the 3/4 class!". I've come to realize that he's always been incredibly sharp and bright, he just needed the tools to talk and from there he skyrocketed. He has an amazing memory, can piece together and figure out complex things that older kids struggle with, and thrives when learning new things. Plus he figured out on his own that the "I'm not touching you" game drives Zoey bonkers and that's great entertainment for me. This year will be good for him.
So both he and Zoey go to school from 9am - 2:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I get them to myself, which is becoming a special treat and a nice opportunity to spend time together. Plus we get to stay in our jammies all day and who doesn't love that?
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