Adventures in Calgary

Molly started Grade One this week. Jake started one of his preschools today. Molly was quite nervous leading up to the day...barely sleeping most nights. But when the day came, she had a great day. Her teacher is Madame Robyn. Ella, Mason, Sage and Chloe are in her class so it's not all new kids. She's been able to see her other friends at lunches and recess. Evyn is her bus buddy. So all is good in Grade One. Jake's first day started off amazing. He was so excited to go to school like Molly. He was excited to wear indoor shoes and use his Thomas the Train cup and plate. We got there early so we could show him around the classroom and introduce him to the teacher...still all good. He gave both Noel and I hugs and kisses goodbye and ran off to the sand table without a backward glance. Noel went to work. I went upstairs to do some paperwork. Then I hear it. The screaming cry I know so well. I have no idea why he got upset. He tells me it's because he was missing me. Who knows. His teacher (Mrs. Martin) said he screamed and cried for a bit and then passed out on the couch and slept the entire class. Hopefully next week will go better for him.

Some days I feel like a total parenting failure. Today was one of those days. Transitioning both Jake and Molly into new school situations is definitely taking it's toll on me. Today was Jake's first day at the Tuscany Preschool. I stayed with him the entire class. I attempted leaving about every 10 minutes...he would have none of it. I was tired myself and couldn't handle his tears. My good friend likes to remind me that I am the parent and I need to be more firm with him. I can't seem to do it. I don't know if it's guilt over not having listened to Molly when she was young and unhappy with her dayhome and seeing the effect that has had on her to this day. All I know is that I have to find a way to be stronger for both of us.