First Day of Preschool

Here it is, at last: the first day of school. This is when they start (just a little, just a tiny bit, but it's beginning) to belong not only to us, but also to the rest of the world.

Also, this is when they will start to bring home to their loving parents every nefarious cold & flu bug making it's way through the Brooklyn school population. We are going to need a lot of support (both emotional and immunity).

The first session at CHP went well -- there were a few tears from Jack and a few from Aidan. A few times Deb & I fought back tears. Overall it was fun, though, with play time and music circle time (with banjo!) and snack time with stories. When Miss Lori announced, right after music circle, "If your name is called, you may wash your hands and go have snack!", everyone looked up without quite knowing what to expect. Aidan heard his name and marched away to wash without a look backward. Jack became nervous & confused that Aidan was leaving and he had to wait...they've always done everything together. They were reunited at the snack table, though, so all was well. There are two other sets of twins in this afternoon session (and more sets in the mornings), so all the teachers are experienced with handling the special twin bond while encouraging the development of independent interests.

We'll go back again Wednesday, and this time the staff will position us a little bit away from the action (but still accessible to the kids if they need some comforting). For the next 3 weeks the sessions will be slightly longer each time, and parents will be moved further out of the room. At the end of September comes the day we will have to leave them at school and shut the door behind us.

But that day is not today...