We decided to enroll Eli in a preschool this year. We thought it the best move toward preparing Eli for "real" school. Our church actually runs a preschool during the week so naturally this was the best situation for us. We figured Eli would have no seperation problems because he knows the classrooms from church. He will even recognize a few faces in his class! I registered him back in April and struggled a little all summer at having to leave my baby boy...even if only for three hours, two days a week. He has always been with me. I have left him at another little boy's house to play...but somehow watching my baby reach another milestone tugs at my heart. He is growing at an alarming rate. I get little glimpses of him going off to college, getting married, and becoming a daddy. Lord help me give him what he needs to be a good man...a loving, kind man!
We arrived at the school early so we waitind in the lobby for the teachers to pray together. ELi insisted on keeping his new backpack on! He stood at the windows that look into the hallway and started waving at someone...I am not sure who. I kept asking if he was ready...he'd say "READY!". which means yes. I'd ask hium if he was going to school. He would repeat the word and jump up and down. He was ready!
They lead him into the hallway where he could see Maddie and I on the other side. He came up to the window and said, "Mommy?". He looked like he was on the verge of crying. About 2 seconds later he turned around and ran into his room. My heart ached a little bit. I ached for a hug and a kiss from my baby boy...but my heart was full of love and acomplishment. My son was confident enough to walk away and not need me so much that day. Slowly he is taking his independence. It is bitter-sweet at times. A mother wants to be a mother all the time...the one that cuddles and kisses the boo boo's. I will give my boy what he needs and build him the foundation for becoming a man.
Wow, all this from one day at preschool> Without Eli around...I have plenty of quiet time to think:)
