Okinawa Lily - Sept. 17, 2012 Preschool

Today was Lily Grace's first day of preschool! For two years she has been home with me, the time has  FLOWN by! Jeff and I were able to find a preschool with an actual curriculum that had a half day program here on the island! We had been researching and researching and RESEARCHING preschools before we got here. This school was in my top three and I had been emailing the headmaster back and forth for months. As you know, it took us a while to get settled in, but once settled a bit we stopped by and did a tour. What a charming little school. So much like the one Lily was suppose to attend in Camden. They even use the same curriculum! We were in love. Unfortunately, there was a waiting list. We immediately put Lily on it and in a week, we got the call that there was room in the 2 year old class starting immediately!

We waited a week so that I could start her on a Monday. Her schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 1:30pm. Lily has never been away from me for that amount of time, unless she has been with family. I have to say, I was very nervous this morning. How would she react? Would she cry? Would she be upset all day? Would they have to call me to come get her? What if she were hurt?! My mind was racing. 

We arrived at 8:30am. VERY early. With Lily being a week behind the other students, I had to arrive early to get all of her things labeled and to help her get settled in. There was also a BUNCH of school supplies to hand in to her teachers and most of all *I* needed the time. I needed the time to know that she was going to be okay. Luckily, she has two teachers and they are assisted by a teacher's aide! While the teacher's aide and I were getting all of her things situated, her two teachers immediately had her busy and distracted.  By the time we were done, one of her teachers gave me a wink and a wave and I was on my way. Lily didn't even notice I was gone.

I waited in the parking lot with my phone in my hand, waiting for them to call. 10 minutes went by. The phone never rang. So, I made my way down the winding, narrow mountain road leading away from her school. I knew she would be fine. When I picked her up, they said she did really well! Follows directions and did not cry once! They did mention that she was not very good at staying in her seat, but she is 2 and that will come with time. I giggled inwardly because I know Lily....they are lucky she sat in the seat for even a little while. 

Lily's Classroom