Today is the first day of preschool for my little munchkin, Ava. We originally had her enrolled at a different preschool (the one her brother attended). I'm beginning to realize that not all of our decisions as parents get to be "cookie cutter". Bummer! Chris and I agonized for a long time about where and when to enroll Cody in preschool and knew that since he was more timid socially, he would grow and benefit more in a large classroom setting. Turns out that's not the case for Ava. She doesn't struggle socially but we feel she'll benefit more from a leg up in the academic world.
We found a wonderful little preschool run by a lady that attends our church. She offers a more structured curriculum and after many questions and tours and requests for more information and hours spent praying and deliberating, my husband and I decided it would be the best fit for Ava. I'm disappointed that she won't be attending the same preschool as her brother did but I'm excited that she'll have her own independent experience, one tailored just for her.
I'm experiencing a mix of emotions right now; awe that she is almost four years old and ready to attend preschool, motherly pride that she is just as cute and perfect as she can be, selfish sadness that she will no longer be with me every minute of every day, excitement that she gets to experience new things - make new friends, learn new lessons, and a smidgen of guilt for being slightly relieved that I will have time to write during the day. (Did I just admit that out loud?)
It's hard to imagine that in one week, when Cody starts Jr. Kindergarten, I will only have one child with me at all times. Where did the time go? I have a very distinct awareness that the time Chris and I have with our kids is fleeting. Knowing that makes these milestones in their lives bittersweet. I want to savor every second I have with them...soak up as much of their "baby" years as I possibly can so in ten years I have no regrets when I look back.
In the future, when they're grown and gone, I'd like to be able to say that I was fully present, fully invested and fully appreciative of every moment we had together. Unfortunately, there just aren't enough moments to satisfy this mommy.
What emotions do you feel when you think about your kids growing up? If you're a stay at home parent, how do you plan to occupy your time when you have more of it for yourself?
Your post about mad me cry. I have been having these emotional tug-a-wars myself. Joey will be starting Pre K in sep. I am so excited for him because he needs to get out. I never wanted to put my kid in school early because I knew that this is the only time I get him all to myself. But then he started getting really bored at home with just "momma" He was telling me he was bored. So he is ready for some school. It breaks my heart to think that he will not be all mine anymore. I guess its part of parenting. It makes me want to have more kids...(no I really didnt just say that."
ReplyDeleteI want to have a big party and big spa day and YOU are invited. ha ha
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I will do. Sit and cry.
??
Sadie,
ReplyDeleteGo for it! Have more babies!!! =) That was my exact thought process too -- they're growing up so let's add more -- but Chris put his foot down. No more babies!!!
~ Lacie
I'm with you Mandy! Bring on the spa days...I'll take a facial and a massage and a pedicure and a...I could go on forever! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog, Lacie! I'm glad God could use my post about conferences to help give you a little direction about what to do this year! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you love your kiddos teacher, Lacie! That makes such a big difference and is something I think about a great deal when I interact with my students and their families. I wnat to like my Brogan's teachers, whenever he gets to be that age! And I want to know that his teachers care about him, so that's what I try to do with my students.
ReplyDeleteAs far as him growing up. I've decided he's not going to participate in that.