Changes Gallore! Part 3: Hello Pre-School!

Hello loved ones! I have missed blogging so much! In the last few weeks, since we got back from Florida, I have been working on a report for work that took up most of my evenings. But I finally got it done and I can now get back to my favorite hobby: blogging!

Back to the "changes series"...

A huge change occurred in the last few weeks. We said good-bye to Maria and Rashell and said hello to pre-school! Yes, Daniel is now going to a daycare for a 2 year-old pre-school program three times a week (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday), instead of staying at home with Maria while I work. This was a huge decision for us, one that took many months of seeking God's guidance and timing, visiting different schools (we visited 11 schools in total!) , but it has finally happened and we are very at peace and excited about it. Daniel just started his third week at school and though he still cries when I drop him off, he has adjusted very well and is happy when I pick him up. It's such a lovely little school, his teachers are wonderful and he's getting exposed to such fun things every day. Jonny and I even thought about how nice it would be to be a 2 year old again and play at Daniel's school!

To say good-bye to Maria and Rashell properly, they came over for dinner. Rashell was in a cute little dress and she and Daniel played so sweetly together. They really love each other but thankfully, they are still at an age where they don't completely understand what is happening and also quickly forget... Here are some photos of their last meeting:

The good-bye kiss...

Not long after, school started... The first 2 days were very difficult for us, in particularly Jonny and I. Daniel cried a lot in the beginning but the teachers said he did great after settling down. He has been participating in all the activities very well, like sitting quietly and listening during circle time (which I wasn't sure he would). He has an afternoon nap there and though he's napping less than he does at home, he knows exactly what to do (he sleeps on a cot, surrounded by 11 other 2 year olds - very different from home where he is still in a crib and alone in his room). Every time we pick him up, we have a report about what different activities he did, how he ate, slept and used the potty. His teachers (Ms. Kim and Ms. Virgina) are experienced and very warm. Though this change was difficult, at least we are confident that we have left him in good hands and that he is having a great time.

Daniel with his backpack ("ack-ack") the first morning before school

His first day was pancake day and one of his teachers, Ms. Kim, taught them about how to make pancakes. Daniel listened quietly, though apprehensive that I would leave...



This was Daniel having a snack on his second day. Still apprehensive, but he enjoyed playing in the sprinklers later that morning ("Splish-splash" day at school, every Wednesday during the summer).



Now this warmed my heart... The second day, when I went to pick him up, he was playing outside with his new little friends. He didn't notice me for about 5 minutes and I just watched him as he had fun. The kids then suddenly decided to play "ring around the roses" and Daniel loved it and was all smiles. Only after that, did he realize I was there and he ran to me happy!