Summer's End

Not for me, this time around. On the Tuesday after Labor Day, like kids everywhere, Bean will be starting school, of a sort. Even though she will be only 18 months old, the county office of education/Early Childhood Education offers a toddler program for 18 months to 3 years. A kind of "pre" preschool, if you will.

It's only three hours Monday, three hours Tuesday...but that's six hours a week she won't be at home, won't be with me, won't be in her familiar environment. Will be around other kids. Will have teachers of her own, a cubby of her own, a placemat and activity card of her own. It's too early for independence, limited though it is...

And yet, it's not. I've mentioned this earlier, but she truly is becoming a toddler, if you ignore the lack of toddling :) She needs to have extra stimulation, particularly from people who are well trained in providing ample and optimal experiences and who are willing to push her a little. I am, but it exhausts me regularly...at least now I get to share the burden a bit. I love her teacher already...a warm, comfortable, caring woman who is only enhanced by being a North Carolina native! We spent about ten minutes today discussing grits and 'cue, and why it is you just can't get the good stuff here. I think Bean is in excellent hands.

The only thing is...after this, it's "real" preschool. And then kindergarten. And for all the nights and endless diapers and worries about her delays, I'm not ready for her to start growing up, not 100%. I always thought it was a bit of a cliche', but I'll proudly state it now...I'll cry all the way home after I leave her the first day. But I also remember that she'll be thrilled to see me at lunchtime...and somewhere down the line, a grimy pasta necklace will be my souvenir from the day.

Hope all y'all have a wonderful, safe, and happy school year.