Teddy Bear Party

I can't believe the day has actually arrived; Tyler's first day of Jack and Jill Preschool. His teacher, Mrs. Fessler, has a teddy bear party for all the students and it's a great "soft start" to the school. The class is split into two groups and the first group came the first hour and Tyler's group came the second hour and I was allowed to stay with him. He woke up in a great mood and we had the teddy bear dance in his room and he kept asking "is it time to go to school?". I figured that was a good sign. The morning process was so smooth today because he kept wanting to get to Jack and Jill and wasn't dilly dallying like most mornings. Ty picked out his shirt because it had a little teddy bear on the front (I thought that was so cute) and he looked so handsome. The three of us headed over to Grammy's house to put Matty down for a nap and then hang out for a few minutes before heading to school. When the time came, I asked "does anyone want to go to a teddy bear party?" and he very quickly jumped up and kept saying "I do, I do, I do" and then started doing to the teddy bear dance again with Grammy. We put his backpack on went outside to get a few pictures before we left. I was getting so sentimental/emotional because it's where I always got my pictures taken on the first day of school and now here I am taking my son to Jack and Jill (where I once went too!). His backpack was adorable and although he's still a little guy and only going to school twice a week, he still looked so much more grown up to me...I just couldn't believe it. Where does the time go???

He was the first one at school and was able to pick out his crayon and put it in the basket and then played while we waited for all the students to arrive. During the organized activities, Tyler sat right in front of the teacher and followed along so well and eagerly. They read "Brown Bear" and then acted it out for all the parents. They sang songs and learned how to stand in line and wash their hands. Honey Bear visited the group and they even got to eat Teddy Grahman snacks (Tyler asked for 3 extra helpings!). When it was time to leave he was soooo sad and all day long kept asking when he was going to go back to school. As trying as it can be to get through those moments, I am so glad to see how much he enjoyed himself. He was extremely well behaved, answered questions, was polite, and listened to all the directions. I was so proud of him and couldn't believe it all was really happening. I have a really good feeling about the school year and it's obvious he's feeling really good about it too. My wish is for it to be everything Tyler is hoping and dreaming it will be. I wish for him to become more independent, confident, learn some fun things, and meet some new friends. I especially wish for him to stay healthy and safe because it will be the first time we're all learning how to deal with food/snack time outside the home on a regular basis. I just want him to feel normal, have a normal experience, and learn that his allergies will never limit him from doing what he enjoys. I will pray hard every day for him to stay safe and for me to trust other adults' capabilities and desires to keep him as safe as I want him to be. Happy learning Ty!