But it is hard.
However, I was SO glad Joe and I could both be there for the "first day." We met the staff & his teacher, saw his room, learned the drop-off/pick-up drill... as well as started to pay attention to all the stuff Samuel will need to bring, etc... This is going to be quite a good routine once we get started - it's just all so new to us. But the place is super - I was so impressed with all they have to offer and the staff were so friendly and helpful (made me feel very comfortable, even though I was about to start crying...) :-)
There are only 5-6 other kids in his class, and most of them will be with him for the long-haul, which is great. So he will get to know them really well.
At one point, Joe and I both stepped out of the classroom to look at some mats - and Samuel noticed we were gone and panicked a bit (I imagine thoughts of leaving him in the church daycare came to his mind...) But we came right back in and all was fine.
When I left, he gave me a big hug, kiss and said "I love you mama."
Oh... how I wish I could capture that moment in time.
Hi Joe and Jill, it's Pam Samuels teacher. I wanted to write you both to tell you a little about Samuels day. After daddy left this morning, he cried for about a minute. As he was crying i walked him over to the window because dad told me he loves the outdoors. So, i asked him if he can see any pretty birds? He stopped crying, looked, and said, "No." I asked him if he could see butterflies? He looked and smiled. I than brought him over to the helicopters and asked him which one he liked. He pointed to the biggest one and grabbed it. We played with the air planes and helicopters for awhile. We ate snack, washed up, sunscreen, potty,, and outside. He went on the tumble bus. Hew loved it. He engaged in the activities and observed the other children. His favorite was the trampoline. In the gym he was getting pretty tired. So he mostly observed everyone else. At lunch he was wonderful. He has manners! What a good boy. When he was done he threw away his plate and cup. He even went right up to me held out his hands, i told him he may wash his hands and that is exactly what he did next. He came up to me with a questioned little face. I new he didn't know what to do next. I told him it's time to pick out a book and lay down on your mat. I walked him over to his cub by and handed him his blanket. He sorta looked sad. I found a stuffed animal because in his info papers it mentioned a lion he sleeps with. I asked him if he likes curious George. He nodded yes so i gave him one. HE LOVES IT! I than read, "The Three Bears." (We read a book to the children before nap.) I than laid next to him and rubbed his stomach which he preferred over his back. After awhile i went to lunch and Sherrie took over rubbing him to sleep. He is now sleeping. He has gotten all of us teachers to adore him so much. What a sweet little precious boy. I am so happy to have him in my classroom. I hope you two have a wonderful afternoon. Samuel and his friends will be making large bubbles together!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mrs. Pam