I enrolled Natalie in preschool today and she will start in the fall. It felt REALLY weird enrolling my baby for school!! Where she will be attending is actually a private school, so it's very "school-ish". I feel very good about the teacher, the setting, the curriculum, and everything about it, but it's still nerve-racking! I know I will be a GIANT mess when school starts, but I think she will learn so much and have so much fun. I observed previously on my own for the entire class, and Natalie went for an hour or so visit today. She seemed to enjoy herself and also was a bit overwhelmed with so much to do. Once she starts, I think she will drop like a ton of bricks after classes!

DH is really struggling with it. I don't blame him, but I see how good it will be for her in so many ways - especially as an only child. He can't believe that we're paying someone to "send her away" and is so worried for her. He also hasn't seen her interact with other children very much, or in a "class" type setting other than gymnastics. I think she's pretty sure of herself and assertive, which always surprises me. The teacher commented today that she "Isn't shy is she?" She's like her dad...somewhat quiet, but social when it's initiated. She used to SCREAM as an infant if anyone other than mommy or daddy even looked at her! LOL

It was a big step for us today. I'm happy about it and also sad, although I was sad before this. Our baby will be 3 next month. Where has the time gone? It's going waaaayy too fast for us.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 - 11:24 pm:

Congratulations! I'm sure she'll be fine! I felt a little bad sending Emily off to preschool, but she loved it and wished the days were longer!

By Kaye on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 05:44 am:

welcome to the world of schooling! My dd loved preschool, it was hard sending her, but she just loved it so much I go over that quickly. I am sure Natalie will too.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 07:03 am:

Both my kids LOVED preschool! I'm sure Natalie will do fine. It will be bittersweet for you at first, but you will soon grow to enjoy the regular mommy breaks. {{{HUGS}}}

By Vicki on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 08:04 am:

I have an only child too and she did amazing in preschool. Her self esteem and confidence just blossomed!! I really think your doing the right thing and she will LOVE it!!

By Tripletmom on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 10:01 am:

{{{BIG HUGS}}} My dh and I struggled too!!It was hard to imagine someone else taking care of our dd,than ourselves.It will work out Nats is sooo smart and will certainly enjoy the challenge and it will help with social skills.Gosh, I can't believe how big our kids are getting...... Just like you said in your quote: The days are long and the years are short,so true.....

By Andi on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 01:07 pm:

That is a big step but you did the right thing!

Taylor will also be stating in the Fall. She will go two days a week for 3 hours at a time.

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 01:24 pm:

Awwww...how sweet! Sad for mommy, great for Natalie! I bet she is going to love it!
We're starting Connor in a montessori school that is right in the same complex as Scott's new job. I'm so excited but, like you, it's bittersweet! I share your apprehensions!!

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 - 02:25 pm:

Thanks for the reassurances everyone! Andi, we also went with the 2 days/wk for 3 hrs. at a time.It's actually the only 3 hr program in the county, which surprises me.