First Day of Preschool

Tomorrow is the first day of school for kids in Virginia.  That includes Karina!  She is starting preschool.  Bill and I decided about a year ago that it would be good for her to go to preschool for the socializing aspect of it.  I knew of a certain school that I wanted her to go to, because not only is it a great school, my friends have their kids there and the mother of one of my friends is the head of school.  So I felt really comfortable sending her there.  At the time, they had one day a week 2 year old classes, but the teachers and staff decided that it basically wasn't worth the kids' time (or the teachers' time) so they went to a 2 day a week or 3 day a week class.  Karina is in the 2 day class.  I'm not that nervous, which really surprises me.  I thought I would be, but to be honest, I'm really kind of looking forward to it.  She will only be in class about 2 1/2 hours, and the school is far enough from our house that going home will be pretty much pointless and a waste of gas.  Luckily, there are tons of places near the school to shop.  I made a list one night of all the things I can do--by myself--while she's in school, like get a haircut, do grocery shopping, go to the craft store, or Target, or the mall.  There is a ton to do.  Of course, at some point I'll be pregnant enough that I won't want to wander around anywhere, but that's okay, I can still find something to do sitting down, possibly eating a Frosty...

On the other hand, I will miss her!  I'm so glad it's only twice a week (I really wanted the once a week class, but it'll be okay).  I love being with her.  I know a lot of parents who are fed up with their kids, or their kids are obnoxious or something, and I hear about how happy they are that school is starting up again, or they're so happy to get away from their kids.  Maybe it's just not happened for me yet, but I don't get it.  I love being with Karina.  Don't get me wrong, I need my Me time, too, but usually, I'm content to be with her and take her along with me.  So I will definitely miss her, but I think it will be so good for both of us.  We will also be doing Musikgarten again this year, YAY!!!!!  That will be on Wednesdays.  We had a bit of a scare when the teacher announced the class was on Tuesdays.  I told her I had specifically requested the Tuesday/Thursday preschool class so we could still attend, and she was able to work her schedule so that we could still have the Wednesday class.  I am SOOOOOO happy!!!  I love our Musikgarten classes, and if any of you read this are in a position to go to one, I HIGHLY recommend them.  It was the first thing Karina and I did as a class experience, and it was great not just for her, but for me as a first time stay-at-home-mom to get out and be around other grown ups who were in similar situations.  In fact, one of Karina's Musikgarten classmates is in her preschool class, too!

The preschool starts the twos off slowly, so I will be with Karina for the entire (shortened to one hour) class tomorrow.  There will also only be half the class there during our time, and the other half will come in after us.  Then on Thursday, she will go by herself for only 90 minutes.  Finally, next Tuesday, she will be there by herself for the full 2 1/2 hours.  I'll post a brief update after class tomorrow sometime, but I don't know how much there will be to report, since she won't be by herself.  We've already met her teacher and assistant, and they are great, so nice.  So, I think everything is going to go just fine. 

To all the kids out there starting school tomorrow, have a good first day!  Listen to your teachers!  Do your homework!  Pay attention in class!  Have fun!!!