Monday the girls had their first day of ballet! They looked so cute in their lavender leotards, white tights, and ballet shoes. We took a few pictures before we set off for the studio.
There were a total of four girls in the class….I think it’s possible one may have been missing, but I’m not sure. Avery was pretty quick to join in and follow the teacher’s instructions and did a pretty good job. Emerson was about 50/50….for about half the class she followed instruction and the other half she either sat down or was running in and out of the studio to find me.
No tears were shed though and Avery thanked me for taking her to dance class as soon as it was over and told Grandma about the purple dots and the beanbags that they used as props. I have no doubt that the girls will become more comfortable as the month goes on.
Thursday was the girls first day of pre-school. We took a few pictures at home before we left for school since I figured my chances of getting a picture of them at the school was probably slim. (BTW, Avery’s right eye was really irritated the night before pre-school so we had to take her contact out, which unfortunately made her extra squinty for her first few days at preschool).
I tried one more though as we walked into the building.
We have been talking about pre-school regularly since May, if not before then. I anticipated Avery would barely look back when I dropped her off. Emerson I knew would be reserved, but I thought she would hold back tears. I WAS WRONG! The good bye did not go over well….in fact, it was quite horrible! We got to the school a few minutes early and as we waited for the doors to open Emerson sat quietly observing all the kids and parents while Avery boisterously jumped on me. Once we were able to go in, the three of us walked to the classroom and the girls placed their bags on their designated hooks. Then they went over to Ms. Denise to get their hands washed and as they stood in line, I could tell they started to get more reserved, but were still okay. I started to say good bye and give them hugs and Emerson simultaneously started to let me know that she was tired. I told her that she could take a nap when she got home which was not a satisfactory response for her. Slowly the words she was tired became louder and louder and slowly we made our way out to the hallway and slowly her position went from standing and a little whine to laying out on the floor kicking and screaming. During all this, Avery followed Emerson out to the hallway and Emerson’s tantrum set her off into full blown tears as well.
Her teacher’s Ms. Kristen and Ms. Denise and even the Director of the Preschool Ms. Marnie were awesome though and told me that I should go if I felt comfortable and they would handle it. Let me add that there were at least two other classrooms too and the three of them were willing to focus on my children alone. I’m pretty sure my children were the only two children that had visible meltdowns….
I gave the girls one final hug and walked off as they were still in full blown meltdown mode…I quietly let Ms. Marnie know I would be waiting outside to make sure they were okay. After about 15 minutes she came out to tell me that they were “OK”….she said she couldn’t say they were loving school; but they were calm at the moment. I rode home in disbelief of the events that had just occurred. I fully expected Emerson to be reserved but really did not anticipate tears from her and I certainly didn’t anticipate tears from Avery. So I was very pleased when I received an email from Ms. Marnie less than two hours after the class started that said the girls “are settling in beautifully” and “are a pleasure to have in class”. It will be interesting to get the girls perspective on their day when they get home and even more interesting to see how the second day goes tomorrow, particularly the drop off (which Justin is doing tomorrow).
Day 2 Update: According to the girls and their teachers, they ended up having a great day, as evidenced by the paint on their clothes and faces! We talked a lot about the day and excitement was coming from everyone, so I thought for sure the Friday drop off would be better. The drive was good, we set expectations, and even took a few more pictures. We were ready….or so I thought. Once we got in the classroom, pretty much the SAME repeat of yesterday (although Emerson was a little calmer in the sense that she was not on the ground this time and was truly trying to take deep breaths in between the sobs)….and again Emerson’s tears set off Avery’s tears. I quickly left again at Ms. Kristen and Ms. Marnie’s suggestion. Apparently they rebounded in 5 seconds and once again had a great day! I imagine we will have a few more repeats of this next week….I will just have to do a better job of getting out of the classroom even quicker next time!