School Belle

Now that I'm not going to an office every day, but instead, am home spending countless hours with Alex, Alex has become ... let's see... what's the word...

... clingy, perhaps?

These days, I can barely walk across my kitchen, what with Alex clinging to my skirts. If I sit down, invariably, Alex climbs into my lap. Why, even when Marcus comes home, and I say, "Honey, go with Daddy for a little while, so Mommy can... umm... BREATHE," she looks at Marcus with some resignation before half-heartedly lifting her arms in his direction. And if she manages to get away from him (and she always manages to get away from him), Marcus need only look for me and he'll find her, arms and legs wrapped around my leg, looking up at me imploringly. It is because of this behaviour that Marcus has so lovingly dubbed her "Tick."

And we wonder why the child has issues.

Anyway, due to her uncanny barnacle impersonations, it was with some trepidation that I took Alex to day care for the first time today. The truth is, Alex craves the companionship of other children -- evidenced by the way she follows the sons and daughters of our friends, moonstruck, from room to room, until they eventually run to their parents' sides in exasperation: "MOM! She's still FOLLOWING ME!"

The need for a bit of socialization was becoming critical.

After extensive research, I found a lovely little daycare-to-preschool facility near our neighbourhood. If you knew this little daycare-to-preschool facility, you'd be wildly impressed -- not necessarily because of their educational reputation, but because they fancy themselves so incredibly exclusive, you practically have to learn the secret handshake and password by covert espionage before they deem you acceptable enough to let your child enroll. Seriously, my self-esteem shot up 10 points when they finally handed me the enrollment form.

No, seriously. There was shooting.

ANYWAY, this morning, I dressed Alex up in her first-day-of-school finest, complete with backpack:

and off we went. I had packed my own workout gear, just in case Alex allowed me to leave for half an hour to run to my gym, about 5 minutes from the school. I didn't actually think she'd allow me to leave, but I was keeping hope alive.

When we arrived at the school, Alex couldn't believe her eyes. She stared in wonder at all the toys and the bright colours, and especially the children. There were children!! I led her to the little table in a daze, and took out her sandwich to eat with another little girl.

After giving her teacher ("Auntie Tessa") her bag and instructions, I looked back at Alex. "Alex?" I said. She glanced at me. "Is it okay if I leave? I'm going to the gym, but I'll be right back afterwards. Is that okay?"

She munched her sandwich.

She looked at the toys.

She looked at the kids.

Then she looked back at me.

And then, in her most southern accent possible (because, again, you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can never take the Texas out of the girl), she waggled her fingers at me, and said:

"BAAH-bye!"

Auntie Tessa and I looked at each other, and burst out laughing. "I think she's going to be fine," Tessa said. "I think so," I agreed. And I left.

When I returned 3 hours later, Alex was in the thick of things. According to Tessa, she was a "social butterfly" -- she played with each child in turn, and seemed to enjoy all their company. Alex was all smiles as I gathered her things.

"BAAH-bye!" she waved to the other kids. "Bye-bye, Alexis!" said Auntie Tessa. "See you Thursday!"

And with that, Alex passed out in the back of the car on the ride home.

So, it looks like school was a hit. And while I'm thrilled that Alex enjoyed it, I have to admit:

I'm going to miss my little Tick.

Comments

[Amy]

Way to go for Alex. She is a social butterfly, isn't she? How nice for Mommy too, to get that much needed alone time. That's probably the main reason I work! It's my Alone Time! Ha!!

[Nancy]

Hooray for Alex, the big school girl...and for her Mommy! Big milestone, this! Can't wait to hear if Thursday goes as smoothly! Bet it will...Alex knows a good thing when she sees it! Her Mama ain't raisin' no dummy! :)

Love the pictures, of course! She looks so darn grown-up...cut that out, Alex!!!!

[dayment]

What an awesome story - and good thing! Sounds like you need a break!

[Maria Morris-Burke]

I loved hearing about Alex and Day Care. She is such a beautiful little girl and she has shown a great sense of independence in tackling the first day. You have every right to be so proud! Way to go, little one!

[Amber]

No tears? Not one? Nothing?? From the mommy I mean. Yeah for Alex!

[queen t]

yeah Alexis! I started at a school-type place at 2 and I loved it. My younger sister was at a montessori school in Diego Martin. We went back there (16+ years later) and her teacher STILL remember her! It was nice!

[Sylvie]

She is just growings so fast. I am so happy Alex enjoyed her 1st day of school that is fantastic.

[Jenn]

Really, it should be illegal for you to post pictures of your little girl. She makes my uterus ache and after three kids, I swore no more. No more, I say! But she's so heartbreakingly cute.

I've been lurking here for a while and just had to pop in and say hello. Yeah for you that you're getting some Mommy time and Alex is getting some time with other kids.

[Natalie]

What a big girl! And so super-friendly, just like her mom.

[Carmen]

How GROWN she is! She looks as if she should be catching the bus!

Good for you - you deserve some alone time.

[karla]

Gosh, Alex is growing up.*sniff* I remember my sons first day at daycare/preschool. Oh the tears. (Me I mean, he was in heaven) Hats off to you for handling it so well!

[victoria]

Oh my god, so so so adorable I can't stand it. That child's cuteness sears my eyes and alters my brain.

[Gin]

You are a superb raconteuse.
I loved hearing about her first day, and of course, the photos that go with it. Dig her dress also. Let us know how things go tomorrow?

[Twyla]

What a big day for such a big girl. I'm glad she is getting to go play with little friends, it is as important for her to do this as it is for you to get a little time for yourself!

[Jody]

I can't believe she's big enough to do this, but of course she is. What a great testament to you that she feels so interested in the world and so secure with her own. BTW, I had my own "first day" yesterday. Will write soon and fill you in. XXX