Wa'a's first day of preschool

I felt like everyone in the world put their 3 and 4 year olds in preschool but me. I never really thought about it or cared all that much. I liked having Wa'a home with me and that is what I wanted. I felt confident that I could teach him what he needed to know before Kindergarten and that I could help him grow.

But, little sister created a new pathway of plans for me. She has her own set of special classes that she needs to attend on Tuesday and Thursday, and brother is not allowed to be there. So my future ideas changed and I scrambled to find child care or a school for Wa'a. Cami offered to watch him both days, every week. It was an incredible offer, and I was so grateful. But we decided to look for something closer to home and to Clara's school, and boy, it took forever to find something.

Preschool had already started all over the valley. Every place was full, or just too darn expensive.

But with some referrals, I found two great places that had openings for him. And I wrestled SO badly to figure out the right school just for him. I prayed my guts out and felt so stressed and conflicted.

I finally settled on one that is just one town over, and on the way to Clara's school. His schedule there matches up perfectly with Clara's class, and it was close to home.

He started 2 weeks late. I prepped him 3 days ahead of time, because Wa'a had no desire to go to school and leave his momma. He was content with me, and cried when we brought up him going to school. I was worried this was going to be much too hard on both of us.

Erwin gave him a blessing the night before and I continued to pray that he would be happy and safe. And of course, that I made the right decision and that my mommy heart could make peace with all this.

And guys, he did great. He didn't cry. He remembered our prepping him. He recognized his teacher from pictures. And he went right over to a chair and sat with his classmates. I stayed for about 10 minutes watching him, giving each others thumbs up and waving, before I snuck out.

Clara didn't have class that day, so I came home and sat on the couch and cried. I felt so silly. Most mom's cry on the first day of Kindergarten when they start big kid school. But I still shed some tears because this was new for me and I missed him.

I picked him up and he had done so great. He loved the activities and excitedly showed off his art projects. I was so grateful.

This school is awesome, in the fact that they have their own phone app, and send me about 1-3 pictures throughout the day of Wa'a with his classmates and show the parents what they are learning and doing together. I LOVE it.