Carli had her first "real" day of school Thursday. We had been up to the school every day this week just meeting the teacher and familiarizing ourselves with the classroom and the schedule. On Tuesday I told AnLi that we went to Carli's school. AnLi followed with a barrage of questions -- What's her teacher's name? What color is her cubby? Who are her friends? Do they do puzzles? Do they have a yellow slide? On and on and on. So Wednesday was family day, so I thought AnLi should go with so she could see exactly where Carli would be going every day and put an end to the endless questions. AnLi gave it her stamp of approval.
So yesterday I took Carli into class and we found her locker and her mat on the floor. (She's the bunny, which is perfect for our little hopster.) We sat down and started doing a puzzle, then I gave her a kiss and hug and said I'd be back after school. She promptly stood up and said bye-bye to everyone and headed for the door. I tried explaining that she would be staying and mommy would be back later, which was followed by a big, loud NO and lots of tears. The teacher came over and sat her on her lap and started doing the puzzle as I waved good-bye and headed out the door, containing my tears until I was outside. We've left Carli several times with family members, but she's always had her sister with her. This was her first time completely alone! When the bus came to drop her off, I got on and the para was helping her get her backpack on. When she saw me, she gave me the biggest hug and was so relieved to be home!
I asked her how her day was and she promptly but her finger to her mouth and said, "Shhh". I'm pretty sure she was told that quite often as she talks quite loudly. :) We'll see how drop-off goes today.
AnLi was quite concerned for Carli going to her "own school". I guess she told her teacher, Mister Net (Miss Danette), several times throughout the morning about Carli going to school. Whenever I ask AnLi what she did at school, she first always says, "I did some real good work," so of course when we all got home, she wanted to have a little tea party for Carli for doing "Some real good work at school." They plopped down on the kitchen floor and AnLi served Carli some tea and toast. And then at naptime AnLi needed to sleep with Carli. AnLi has become very, very protective of Carli. Yes, we still have fighting, which I'm sure will never end, but I thought six months ago this day would never come. Princess AnLi's castle had been invaded upon. She had to share her mommy and daddy, her room, her toys, her family and friends. I guess the princess has now promoted herself to queen to make room for the newest princess in the Gute Kingdom.
** UPDATE - Today when I took Carli, she hopped all the way down the hall, very excited to go. Once inside, I gave her a kiss and said I'll see you after school. She held my hand and said NO! I again said, Mommy loves you and I'll see you at home right after school. She gave me a kiss and a hug and ran off to circle time. Guess she likes it. :))
