Firsts

This week was a week of firsts; Alex had his first day of kindergarten and Olivia had her first day of pre-school.

While we had anticipated tears and excessive fears, the week went surprisingly smooth.

Alex was very excited about school and has had his outfit (Lightning McQueen t-shirt and sandals) and backpack ready for weeks.

Tuesday was the unofficial first day; half an hour practice session that allowed parents the opportunity to meet the teacher and observe. Alex was very shy and a bit miffed that the teacher kept calling him Alexander ("I like my whole name, but I don't want the teacher calling me that", he said). I informed the teacher - Mrs McGill - that he preferred to be called Alex...she complied.

The second day went for a whole hour. It was the first official day of kindergarten, and it was expected that the kids attend the session solo. Alex was a bit hesitant about it at first, but beamed when the teacher noticed and proceeded to make a big fuss out of the McQueen t-shirt. We saw that as our cue to make a hasty retreat for the door and skedaddle out of there pronto. When pick up time came, Alex emerged looking calm and confident, like he had really achieved something - and he had. He told us he had spent most of the time playing cars with a boy called James, and apparently he isn't the only kid who likes McQueen (eye roll). Alex seemed well on his way and at ease with the whole "big school" thing, so we were relieved.

Olivia was also very excited about having her turn at school. She had been less enthusiastic about it earlier in the year, but was very ready this week.

We imagined she would have been a little clingy about being left at the school, but she was rearing to go. Alex had been attending the same school for two years, so it was a familiar place to her, even the teachers were the same ones Alex had last year.

Once in the class room, Olivia was eager to get stuck into the toys, but Miss Arnold guided her over to the drawing table and she happily started colouring away. When we picked her up an hour later, she emerged relax and happy, none the worse for wear - she is a bit of a trooper when it comes to most things - and on the walk home, announced that she wanted "to go there again!".... Tuesday is a long time to wait for the enthusiastic.

Alex had another day of pre-school today and said that he spoke to James again, and the twin sisters that are in his class - that is really something for him - to speak at all AND to GIRLS! He already has homework to do - practice writing his name and to hold his pencil correctly.

I am really proud of them both for playing it so cool; for being "big kids" and I am very glad and relieved that they seem to be enjoying it.