Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Preschool...

Monday was the first day of preschool. Eli had gone last year, so he was very excited to start out a new year. Sophia was very nervous. I had to stay right with her. Eventually she started enjoying herself and following along well with the class. That all ended when I told her I had to go to work. She started crying and would not stop. My friend who watches Eli and Sophia during the day for us came and spent the rest of the time with her.

I was very nervous about what would happen today. If today went like Monday, then I was not going to bring Sophia back to try again until January. My friend took Eli and Sophia in to preschool. Sophia was nervous and teary eyed for a while and then got into what the class was doing. My friend slowly backed out of the room and hung out of sight in the gym and Sophia never noticed and was fine for the next 2 hours of preschool. No more tears or anxiety. She told me tonight that she had fun fun fun at preschool and wanted to go back.

I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to hear this news today. I was almost in tears. Sophia is so smart and I just knew that she would excel in preschool. But I did not know if emotionally her little heart was ready. I want to give her the opportunities to do things that will help her grow, but not overwhelm her and cause regression. Today was a win for her. I am so happy that she is going to be able to have this experience this year. She came home tonight and went to the coloring table and pulled out some coloring lesson books and counted and worked in the workbooks for almost an hour. She truly is just absorbing everything. Her English is amazing. I know that everyone thinks their child is a genius, but truly....my girl is very smart.

I think that with each new experience, she just needs to know that we are not leaving her. I truly believe that is the core. Once she understands that we are going to come and bring her home, she relaxes and takes in everything she can. It's as if she understands that she is in an amazing world with so much to show her and she's willing to explore as long as she knows she has her anchor in us. I know that I am going to have an amazing journey ahead of me as her mother. I am just in awe of my girl.

23 comments:

Kim said...

LOVE ... LOVE ...LOVE...
the first photo..
they are tooo cute..
Glad things are going well..
Sophia sounds like she is going to really excel in preschool..
thanks for the update..
HUGS..

Shirlee McCoy said...

They are darling!

And, you are right, Sophia is very smart. I could see it in China when I met her, so I am not surprised she is doing so well.

Denise said...

I can identify with this post, although Maggie still is having trouble with me leaving her...even after 17 months. I am struggling now with how to handle it. This post gives me hope!

Musings from Kim K. said...

I love reading about all of Sophia's firsts. Those pictures are precious. The transitions are hard, but she's a fighter and a survivor. She'll adapt quickly. I can't wait to get our kiddos together in a few weeks. Hugs!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I'm so glad to hear the transitions continue to go well. And of course your girl is smart... we could ALL of us tell that when reading your posts about her from the China trip.

day by day said...

That first picture is ADORABLE!! I am glad that Sophia has decided school is fun...I know what a relief that is for you!!

Anonymous said...

Because of you, your little Sophia will have many, many wins in her life. Bravo brave Sophia and bravo to you!

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Love the pics!! What a brave little girl!!!

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Love the pics!! What a brave little girl!!!

Truly Blessed said...

I'm so glad Sophia has both Eli and her daycare provider looking out for her when Mama cannot!

She is a smart (and engaging and beautiful!) little girl. It's not bragging if you're stating the truth!

Can we get together soon so the kids can play?

Karrie said...

Yea Sophia!!!
You GO sweet preschool girl!!!

Keisha said...

Oh.. that is GREAT Kim! I'm so glad she had a great Day!!! I hope it continues!
Go check out my post for today..maybe you won't need it.. but,.. you can keep the idea in your back pocket! ;)
Hugs!

Juliette said...

That first picture is the sweetest, they look so happy together.
So glad your girl love preschool and understands you won't leave her.

Dawn said...

How darling are they??? I know exactly how you felt about sending Sophia off to pre-school...I am so happy she is loving it and wants to go back!!! She is just thriving!!

Marla said...

Awwwww, they are so cute with their little backpacks! I'm glad to hear she is doing so well, she is such a sweet little trooper!

Unknown said...

Ive missed you friend..Your family gets more beautiful and blessed daily

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

So happy she is doing so well at preschool. EK is doing well too. She loves going once she is there. Hangs onto me until they peel her off. Is always happy when I pick her up. We are two blessed mommies!!!
Blessings!

Kayce said...

What pure sweetness!! They look so cute together in their picture with the backpacks. Glad all is going well.

Patricia said...

So glad that it is all going well for Sophia at preschool! And let me just say, yes she is an amazing little girl, and YOU are an amazing & oh-so-wise momma!!

shelley said...

How sweet they look together. We still have the mantra of "remember mamas always come back" even at Bible Class. After 3 yrs together (today!) she will say that and remind her brother.

junglemama said...

She sounds like she is doing great! I am so glad that she liked pre-school.

jennifer said...

That is so awesome! She is amazing!

mommy24treasures said...

wow that is just wonderful that she settled in. I know it is such gift to have such a dear friend you can trust to watch them as you work as well.
I hope they both have a great year at school:)