First (1/2) Day of Day Care, aka School

Well, this is the week that Elena starts attending the Little School.  Yesterday Elena and I spent the morning at school.  She did good despite teething complications-congested, red raccoon watery eyes, runny nose, sneezy-she looked sickly but this is what generally happens when a tooth is breaking through.  Anyway, getting back on topic.  Today was a dry run of what will happen tomorrow and every other day of the week, until it doesn't.  I know it's surprising but I didn't take any photos, didn't want to make it a big deal.  I dropped Elena off to school and  I was so proud that she asked for a hug but didn't throw a fit.  I called after a couple of hours and she was doing well and enjoying the new friends and activities.

Highlights of the day included playing outside where Elena enjoyed digging in the dirt, no surprise there.  Some kids dug up some worms and with the teacher's assistance created a worm habitat.  Elena climbed on the play structure-no surprise there, and then fell off it-no surprise there either.  She has a nice little red welt but no bleeding or broken bones.  I'm sure it will happen a couple more times, she loves to climb up--down, not so much.  Elena is fitting in well, however, she isn't eating much.  Today included 3 small bites of turkey sandwich and a look at the apple slices.  When she was a baby and with a caregiver she hardly took any milk from the bottle.  I hope she just needs to settle into the routine and doesn't start giving up food again.

The teachers commented that it was interesting that Elena chose colored pencils, well the regular writing pencil specifically over markers.  I guess usually when given something that isn't at home, like markers, kids pick the markers.  We usually use colored pencils--I found she can't eat them like she does crayons and I don't have to worry she'll put marker where it doesn't belong.  Another comment was that "Elena is very independent".  I think this is great, however, reflecting on the comment--she doesn't follow other kids so it could be challenging for the teachers to corral her to reading, singing or meal time.  Once she learns the routine, I think she'll be a great little student.  She enjoys routine and this is just a new one to learn, though generally a speedy learner. 

Tomorrow I start back to work; here's hoping she doesn't cry or throw a fit when I drop her off in the morning.  I need a good morning tomorrow!  As Elena would say "nigh-nighT".