New School Update

I thought I'd provide an update on how Elena's new school is going.  Well, she started Wednesday, June 1st.  She had a great day Wednesday and Thursday--and no potty accidents!  This was her first time in panties at school since her old school deemed her not ready because she couldn't wipe herself.  I was so excited until we were driving home Thursday and she threw up in my car--bleh!  So Friday was her first sick day :( 

Elena recovered over the weekend but this last week was not such a good week at school.  Everyday Elena asked to "go to another school"--some days before we even left the house.  She was very clingy and had many tantrums saying good bye to Momma.  Unlike the terrible twos we have been warned about, Elena does not throw tantrums often.  She had many potty accidents and even pointed one location out to me, unprovoked.  Every afternoon she would bolt to me and stick to me like glue..until we got out of her classroom, then she would bolt through the hallway to the parking lot.  The teachers always assured me that she settles down after I leave and has fun playing with the other kids.  They also log how well she eats, naps and potties--which has been a welcomed change.  Those who have talked to me over the past couple of weeks tell me this will pass, Elena will become adjusted and look forward to school.  And to fill those in who haven't talked to me in the past month, the change in Elena was only magnified with the transition to the new school.  She had become more clingy and asked not to go to her old school too--she just wants her momma.

Yesterday was much the same as last week.  But today, today Elena gave me the good bye ritual--a hug, kiss and noses.  I was so happy today, it was a good day.  When I picked her up, she was still in the clothes she went to school in--so no potty accidents, wahoo!  When I picked her up today, I was able to sneak in and watch her play with friends and jump from the balance beam to a teacher.  She was having so much fun.  She would even say "ta-da" once she landed.  After awhile I said "good job, Elena".  Her head whipped around, a huge grin came over her and she raced to my arms.  I love those good bear hugs.  We played for a little bit with her friends and Elena took a few more jumps from the balance beam.  A fellow new mom (who usually comes after I drop off and before I pick up) told me Elena is part of the morning welcoming group--she says "hi" or "good morning" to everyone when they come in, ah, my little social bug.  This mom has the ability to hang out for awhile in the morning, she said Elena is great at school and quite the eater.  It's nice to hear she is adapting well from another mom.  It almost feels more reassuring from a mom than the teacher but this could also be due to our already great day.

At school the teachers and some of the kids sing a good bye song...Elena loves the good bye song.  It goes a little something like this:  Good-bye Elena, good-bye Elena, good-bye Elena, we're glad you came to school.

It is a sweet school.  It will work out better for us.  The communication home is much better than the previous school.  And I love that I was able to adjust my schedule so we are all home in time to relax, make dinner, eat together and take walk around the neighborhood.  Though Elena doesn't walk, she rides her trike while looking at everything and chatting it up.  This change is a good change.