Preschool

Can anyone else believe I am talking preschool?! 

We took the kids to Blessed Sacrament School's open house a few weeks ago to check out the preschool and school.  I had talked up the night to Rudy all day.  By the time it was ready to go, he was pumped to go to "me own cool" - and my "talking ups" did not disappoint.  

We walked in the front doors and Rudy was a bit hesitant.  He stayed close by our sides, and just took it all in.  We had to sign in and get our "tour guide" - which happened to be Aunt Jennifer - lucky us :) As we made our way to the preschool classroom, Rudy seemed silently in awe, but still stayed close by.    As soon as we got through the door, he dropped my hand so fast and was gone.  Just like that.  I had to give myself a silent pep-talk to keep it together and not embarrass myself or my family.  I was seriously holding back tears.  Did that just happen?!  I felt like it could have been a movie… it was like slow motion, his hand slipping out of mine as he took off for the toys/books/games/etc.  And then the rest of the evening was in fast-forward and almost a blur.  

The kids were unstoppable.  They were on the move, exploring and running everywhere!  It took sooo much energy to keep up with them, all while trying to scope it out myself (which is also why this post has zero pictures!).  We saw the gym, which was a HUGE selling point for Rudy.  We ran into the Davlin's and the kids had fun running around the gym, climbing the bleachers, and cheering on the boys during their basketball practice (we didn't stay too long once it started… the toddler clapping and screaming, "Let's go!" was a bit distracting I'm sure :)).  He loved the library.  They both picked out books and settled into a reading rug to flip through some pages.  The cafeteria was pretty awesome, especially since they were serving cookies and punch.  The art room was sensory overload and the kids were in awe - Avery even snuck back for a second look.  We got to see Isabela's classroom and desk and meet her teacher, along with several other classrooms.  Seeing Rudy walk the halls, all confident and as comfortable with the place as if he'd been there 100 times, was surreal. 

We heard, "John Cicci?!  These are both yours?!  And another one coming?!  Has it really been that long??  I just loved having you in class!" and the like over and over.  John obviously left his mark, and something tells me Rudy will be doing the same… and then Avery and Ben will follow right behind, keeping everyone on their toes :)    

We took home a folder of information and as I sat in bed that night reading through it all, I couldn't keep the tears back any more.  My little baby is growing up too fast.  They gave us copies of the most recent newsletter, lunch menu, etc.  And it just became too real.  Before we know it, our lives are going to be full of practices, plays, games, packing lunches, washing uniforms, school events, new friends and faces… all of which I am so excited for, but is this really happening??  Thank goodness it's just preschool and I still have a few more years until kindergarten. 

A week or so later was registration and it's a "call-in" process that starts promptly at 9 am.  We had heard all kinds of stories about how hard it is to get through and how you better call at 9:00:01 and nonstop until you get an answer because it fills up fast and the last thing we wanted was to not get in!  I called and called and after about 12 times of getting a busy signal, I started to worry.  I called mom and asked her to start calling, too - of course she got through on her first attempt.  She called me back and this is about how our conversation went:

Mom (laughing at herself and still a little frazzled):  "I panicked.  They had all these questions that I wasn't prepared for!  They asked for his birthday and I blanked.  But then I remembered and told them August 14th."

Me:  "Mom!  His birthday isn't August 14th.  It's August 7th."  

Mom:  "Oh that's right!  Well Tony's, Avery's and Dad's are all the 14th…"

Me:  "It's fine, I'm sure I can call and change it." 

Mom: "Then they asked for your email address and I couldn't think of it!"  

Me (thinking, but didn't say):  You have emailed me 1,000 times.  Really?!

Mom: "I almost said 'Anthony' when they asked for his name, even!  That was a lot of pressure."

Crack. Me. Up.

A quick phone call to Jennifer and we were all situated.  Mom probably got through about 9:07.  Jennifer said we were number 12 on the list and by 9:15 the class was full.  Incredible.   

We got our packet of information this week and after filling out some paperwork, collecting official copies of important stuff, and writing a check, we will be set to go.  

     

Rudy is going to love preschool.  Like seriously love it.  I am beyond thrilled for him to get started, but you better believe I am soaking up our time at home together.