Love for Lily

I'm so happy that Finn loves Lily so much. Although I think she would be just a little happier if he loved her a little bit less.

First Day of Preschool

Tuesday was Finn's first day of preschool at First Baptist Church of Alexandria. Of course the day didn't quite match up to the day I had pictured in my mind. There were no family photos posing with our little preschooler. He didn't skip happily into his classroom to join his friends only to turn back around and wave saying "I love you mama!" Not so much. As Mimi put it, "don't worry, you only have about 21 more first days of school left." Thank goodness, because this wasn't one for the books. Then again, he is only 2, and that seems so young to be sending him off to school . . . to fend for himself in the great big cruel world. But send him we did. Here's how our day went down . . .

The day began with him refusing everything I gave him for breakfast, followed by shrieks & howls because he wasn't getting to watch Curious George, more fighting and general disagreement on getting dressed and brushing teeth, cue major meltdown because we had to go walk Lily. A brief photo op (not interested in the least in marking this momentous occasion) and we are finally out the door and on our way. I literally had to sit on him to get him buckled in the car seat. We were both stressed and sweating. When I finally got in, I turned around and asked him what was wrong and he said, "I'm very sad because I'm a little scared." Good grief Charlie Brown, I almost threw in the towel right then and there and thought, maybe we can try preschool next year. But I didn't.

I sound like I am being overly dramatic and maybe I am. But the morning was comical. In Finn's defense, we had been talking about this day for months and I'm sure he was just a little overwhelmed. I was too, in a way. Thank goodness I had a MOPS meeting right after I dropped him off because I think had I gotten in the car and turned around and seen an empty car seat, I might have thrown a Finn-fit too, but don't get me wrong, I am definitely looking forward to a few hours on my own.

I love this picture because everything he is feeling

is written all over his little face...excitement mixed with a little fear.

So grown up

He looks like he is so deep in thought

So, here we are throwing a fit in the car. I'm really glad that no one reported me to Child Protective Services because I was sitting on him trying to get him buckled in. The things we do to (and for) our children . . .

And this is right before I dropped him off . . .attaching himself to my leg.

"Noooooo, mommy please don't go. I want to go with youuuuuuu."

Spreading his "joy" to others in the classroom

AND . . .

He was sound asleep when I returned to pick him up. Exhausted from having so much fun. No blackout curtains, sound machine or story time required.

He didn't say much about his day, only that it was fun and that he might go back another time. Mission accomplished!

'Twas the Night Before Preschool

Dear Finn,

It's hard to believe that in just a few short years, you have gone from this . . .

To this.

Time really does fly when you are having fun. And I have had so much fun spending my time with you. I'm so grateful that I can be there to witness both the big and small moments in your life. In my opinion, preschool is one of those big moments. Up until now, we have spent (almost) every waking moment together. Yes, we've been apart, but those were special occasions and you were with family, so it's different. Never before have I (or your dad) trusted someone else to teach you, care for you, comfort you and love you for 8 hours a week. . .on a regular basis. So, this is new for both of us. But you are ready for this next step. You are smart and funny and loving and CURIOUS and you love meeting new people and tackling new challenges. I have no doubt that you will embrace your growing independence with a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye.

You will love preschool, I just know it. Maybe not at first, but give it time. I love you and I'm so proud of you.

Love, Mama

Getting Ready for Preschool

To: Mark

From: Robin

Subject: Preschool

Here's a letter from Finn's new preschool teacher . . .

--excerpt--

Your child will need . . . a pillowcase and a blanket for nap time, if they use pacifier include that as well . . .

To: Robin

From: Mark

Re: Preschool

I’d like a video of that first attempt at group nap time for new two year olds…will the teacher allow you to send along Finn’s sound machine, blackout curtains, night night, and before sleeping-story books?

My Year of Fun, by Lily Lyles

My mom said it was time for me to take a vacation. I couldn't have agreed more. Have you tried to keep up with a toddler? I'm getting older and it's exhausting work. So, I packed my suitcase and headed down south to spend some time with my grandparents. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the day, they already had two "campers" enrolled in Big and Baa's Doggie Wilderness Wonderland. It was great because I had two new friends to pal around with, chase squirrels, hike, swim, fetch tennis balls, take jeep rides (shotgun!) and run any- and everywhere. Not so great because I had to split table scraps, belly rubs and back scratches three ways! I guess it all evens out in the end because I had a real blast. I can't believe a whole year went by so fast and now I'm back to being a city dog and babysitter.

I missed my mom a little bit, and okay okay, maybe the kid a little bit too. So it's nice to be back. Although, if that kid tries to put his fireman's hat on me one more time, I will insist on a first class ticket to camp next time. Miss you Big and Baa and thanks again for having me. Here are a few pictures from camp.

Peek-a-boo!

Much easier to chase squirrels when you can see their tracks

Skinny dipping in the creek

Practicing holding my breath and blowing bubbles

Did you see that rock fly through the air? I'm on my way

Maybe it was a fish

I'm hoping it was a fish.