Our Big Guy is going to be a preschooler! Yesterday Jackson, Owen and I headed out to visit the Open House and register Jackson for preschool that will be starting in the fall. When we were in the car he told me how he was scared about going to the school and made me promise a hundred times at least that I would stay by his side the whole time. I promised and told him that of course it was scary because he has never been to Preschool before, but before you know it you will love it and have a great time. He said OK, but he still didn't think he wanted to go. We walk inside with his little hand glued to mine, hiding behind Owen's stroller, just two little eyes peering out at this new place. He was dying to see what it was all about, but still didn't want anyone to pay attention to him- just in case he was forced to talk to them or even worse... STAY. The women that we talked to were all so nice. They talked to Jackson even though he refused to talk back. That is until one asked if he liked dinosaurs. His eyes lit up and all of a sudden this lady was kinda alright. He answered with a very small "yes" and actually made eye contact with her.
The director of the Early Education Department took us around and showed us what a classroom is like. At first Jackson didn't want to go anywhere near the door. What if they made him go inside? But after a few minutes, with the teacher explaining all the fun things he was going to be able to do in a few months he was more intrigued. It was now OK to stand outside the door and peek in. It was so colorful, with posters, artwork and crafts on all the walls. There were toys to play with and games to do. The kids were right in the middle of doing "Jesus Time" and he knew the story they were talking about. Maybe this place wasn't so strange after all.....
Well the teachers asked if we would like to come back and visit a class during school time. i immediately jumped at the idea. With Jackson, the more aware of things he is the more accepting he will be in the long run. She told us that him and I could come for the day (or as long as Jackson was brave enough to do) and we were welcome to participate in any or all of the activities the other kids were doing. Jackson could do the crafts, sing the songs, have the snack... I felt a tug on my pant legs and in a loud whispering hiss Jackson says to me "I'm not doing any of that." I told him OK, we could do whatever he wanted to do. The teacher went on telling us more about the school.. field trips, gym class, chapel, the playground.... all with Jackson quietly listening by my side. Then it was time to leave, with an invite to come back on Monday for our preschool class day visit.
In the car Jackson was pretty quiet, just taking it all in. After a few minutes he says to me" Mommy, I think I might want to do the craft and have the snack at preschool on Monday." I told him that I was so excited because I was hoping to do the craft and have a snack too. I peer at him through the rearview mirror and he is sitting there with a huge grin on his face. His eyes meet mine and he says "Mommy. I think preschool is going to be pretty cool." Happy sigh. I am so proud. My sweet Jackson is growing up. As sad as I am about him growing up so fast, I am also so very proud and excited for the new stage in life he is going into. Normally Jackson is very shy about telling people things about his life. It can sometimes be like pulling teeth to get him to talk to others about stuff that happens in the day. Well not preschool! Every chance he gets, he tells people about it. He is so excited! I know it is a while until he will be officially starting, but this is an awesome first step in the process. Yay for Little Man!
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