We Survived!

Hanging Out Before Heading Off To School

Yesterday, Matthew's first day of pre-school, was a success.

Arriving a few minutes early, I took him into his classroom and introduced him to his teachers. He was a bit hesitant at first but Miss Ava gave him a puzzle to do which settled him down. He immediately put all the pieces in and Miss Ashley told him how smart he was. (I always KNEW he was brilliant!) A few minutes after the second child arrived I told Matthew goodbye which set off the waterworks but I just kissed him and left. I hate when he is crying and I know the only thing I can do for him is leave.

When I picked him up two hours later he was all smiles, clutching a pack of cookies and wearing a bracelet he didn't have before. He said he had a good time but that he wasn't going back today. :-D

I'm Going To School Today

Today was a better. I didn't stay as long and there were no tears when I left. I did get excited squeals when I went back for him though.

As I've said before, Matthew is only going to go to school for two half days a week. I found out today that Fridays there is only a morning class made up of the three and four year olds. That class will have a total of 13 students in it so I've decided to make Fridays one of the days he goes. Currently, there are only three children in his class which makes the socialization experiment kinda meaningless. After all, to just have two children to play with he could stay home and play with my niece and nephew who also live on the property.

September 1, 2010 - Matthew's First Day of Pre-School

As for the teachers, they seem nice and Matthew says he likes them. I want to question them and have them tell me minute-by-minute what Matthew did while he was away from me but I'm not sure how well that would go over. It's quite frustrating having a child who doesn't speak in this instance. I ask him if he colored, he says yes. I ask him if he sang, he says yes. I ask him if he flew, he says yes. Somehow I don't think I'm getting the real answers out of him.

I think I should be asking questions but I don't know what questions to ask or what information to give about Matthew. I did let one of the teachers know that Matthew is not to get anything with red #40 or MSG in it but other than that I'm completely lost.

So, all you experienced mommies, what should I be asking the teachers at this point?

Cheers :-)
- Rainforest Mommy

I'm Distressed!

I think I am going to die or cry or something!

I've just come back from enrolling Matthew in school!

Granted it's pre-school and he'll only go two half days a week and I keep telling myself it's a glorified daycare setting, it's still school with a curriculum and a uniform! And for two mornings (or afternoons - I'm not sure yet which class he'll be in) my baby will be away from me. Out of my sight. Doing things I'm not aware of. Learning, hopefully.

I'm distressed!

But because of Matthew's speech delay his pediatrician has recommended enrolling him in some form of social group with children his own age. And where we live this is the best solution but I hate, hate, hate, the whole idea of it! I mean, Matthew is only two and a half years old. He should be at home for at least another year and a half, right?

The only upside to any of this, other than the whole point of it that being with his peers might bring along his speech, is it's only two half days and if after a while it doesn't appear to be helping and he really hates it too I can always take him out. It's being paid for on a month by month basis so there is no obligation for him to keep going.

Yesterday, my mother, younger brother and his family and I went to Chetumal, Mexico for the day but because the adoption is still not finished Matthew is unable to leave the country. I left him at the babysitter's house with her many, many, brothers and sisters, there are twelve children in that family ranging from 20+ down to eleven months. We got back too late last night to pick Matthew up so I got him this morning. The babysitter says he had a great time, which Matthew agreed with. She says he played happily with all the children, didn't cause any trouble and SPOKE to the other children. Specifically, she says he said "want more" and "play" so maybe this is exactly what Matthew needs and maybe, I hope, he will really benefit from the experience.

But I am still distressed!

Cheers :-)
- Rainforest Mommy