Tuesday, September 9, 2008

All By Myself

Today was Spencer's first day of preschool entirely on his own. At breakfast he asked me, "Mama. Am I going to preschool by myself today?" I answered yes and proceeded to review with him what his schedule for the day would be like. Spencer began to stick out his bottom lip out and look sad. My heart melted. So hard to resist that look. "I want to stay home with you Mama," he says. Inside I'm quietly telling myself to stay strong when part of me wants nothing more than to wrap my arms around him and to keep him close all morning. Somehow I manage to distract him.

The moment we arrive at preschool, Spencer turns to me and says, "Bye!" So much for wanting to stay home. I'm pleased that he's so ready to start his day. I watch him make a beeline for the easels and get ready to paint while I sign him in and find a parent to watch over him in my absence. We say our goodbyes and I'm out the door.

Back at home I hardly know what to do with myself. Two whole hours in a quiet, empty house. I look at the newspaper, clean the kitchen, check email. Heavenly! I wonder what Spencer is up to. Before I know it, it's time to head out the door for pick up.

I find Spencer sitting at the lunch table with the rest of the children, eating a sandwich out of his Curious George lunchbox. Spencer did extremely well according to his teachers. He played with the other children, followed directions, listened at storytime. Even though he's one of the youngest, if not the youngest, children in class, Spencer's handling everything just fine. My baby is growing up!

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