Tonight is officially the very first "night before the first day of school" in the Leong house. We have entered uncharted territory. Brian and I have been excited all weekend. Yesterday he got his pre-school haircut...followed by a family shopping trip for his "first day of school outfit." He has his backpack packed...and he even has a present for his teacher! We've been practicing saying "Miss Laura" and he's getting closer and closer!!
Tonight as I put him to bed we had a little pillow chat. I told him that each day I would be driving him to school to see his teacher and his friends. That I'd let him stay to play and learn and then I'd come back in the car to pick him up. We'd come home for a special lunch and he could tell all of us what he did each day! He just laid there staring at me intently - taking everything in.
I asked him if he was going to listen to Miss Laura...and he nodded and said "yeth." I asked him if he was going to be nice and share with his new friends...and he said "yeth." I asked him what he thought he would do in school...and he thought and thought and put a finger to his mouth and said "play?" I'm sure it will all seem like playtime to him as he learns and grows and flourishes before my eyes.
I think there will be some growing and changing for ME as well! This is my first experience "letting go" of either of my children. And it also prompted me to SEW something for the first time!!! If you count using a needle and thread to stitch Brian's name into his coat, that is.
I didn't want to write in his coat...so I bought "flag ribbon" hoping that every time Brian goes to retrieve his coat he will smile. That little boy sure does love flags!!
I also went and bought five bins to store his outfit for each day of the week. The "creative director" in the house (that would be Miss Sara!) designed the signs for each day - aren't they cute? I wanted to pick out his outfits on Sunday nights for the whole week. Why? Because I'm a bit of a nut and could stand in front of his dresser hemming and hawing in the morning picking out his outfit. This will save me time! And it's super cute, thanks to Sara.
As I kissed Brian goodnight I couldn't help but get a little teary. I know it's only pre-school...but to this Mommy it's so much more. Brian's entire three years has been home...and me...and Ed...and Gavin...and therapists. I am so happy for him to go out on his own and have his own "thing" that's just his. I'm happy that he'll make friends and have new experiences. I know tomorrow will be tough...on me...as I'll really miss him every morning. But he's ready - even if I'm not.
I remember that first day of pre-school for each of my boys. I loved that it was a new thing for them but I teared up every time each one left me. I am so thankful for Mommies like you who are so good with their children. My kids are older and I have learned so much from you on how to parent.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a sweet post. You are so thoughtful in the way you prepped him and also in your awareness of sending him out into the world for the first time.
ReplyDeleteAww first day of pre-school how cute! Hope you had a good day Brian!
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