Jack started preschool last week! At 3 1/2 years old, it's crazy to us that he is headed off to a day of school twice a week. But he was so ready, and we are certain he will do great!
The weeks leading up to the first day were filled spent slowly gathering the list of supplies he needed... a crib sheet for his nap mat (thanks Laura!), a small pillow and blanket, two changes of clothes, an emergency pack (which included food, drink, a toy, a family picture, and a special letter from Mom and Dad), and loads of paperwork. Ben took Jack to see his new school one day this summer, and he talked about it for weeks. We went to a preschool orientation for parents only and heard (almost too many) details about what to expect. All of it was so exciting, and a little nerve wracking. :) I found myself waking up at night, thinking about what I would pack in his lunch on the first day of school. Even just a week later it seems so silly to have been so anxious!
The first day came, and we eagerly got ready for the day. I snapped this picture in our front yard before loading up and heading out.
When we got there, I asked Jack if he could find his cubby. He found his name and hung up his lunch bag inside. :)
He took no warming up whatsoever. He went straight to the toys and starting playing away. Mrs. Chris gave him some special attention and he peppered her with questions: "What's this? What's this do?" as he made his way around the classroom. We tried desperately to get him to look us in the eyes when we were leaving so that he would know we were saying goodbye. He gave us quick kisses, but just wanted to play. This is him as I walked out the door:
He did great at his first week of preschool! We can't wait to see how preschool affects him. Will he nap there? Will he come home learning new letters and numbers? Will his behavior change? Will he make new friends? I'm sure he will, and it will be so fun to watch!
Our little buddy is growing up! Last night our church had our annual baptism service at Newport Beach. It warmed our hearts to watch Jack be kind to a new friend, Justin. He intentionally invited Justin to be included in play, he initiated sharing his coveted potato chips with Justin, and initiated sharing his seat with him:
Justin's mom commented on how sweet Jack had been, and we commented back that it even surprised us a little. But these are the things we've tried to teach him, and we were encouraged to see him act in such a way. It gave us hope that some of the instruction and discipline is finally working! :)
And not to be left out... dear Arie. He has been doing a lot of growing up of his own! At 16 months, he's a busy busy walker now... unstoppable, this boy!
He is saying several more words:
bah = ball
baskeh bah (or) askeh bah = basketball
basebah = baseball
bi = bite (something to eat)
why = ??? but he says it whenever he wants a drink
mo = more
ah da = all done
ja = jack
ni-ni = night night
bye bye
no
uh oh
dampah = grandpa
amah = grandma
appuh = apple
up
down
ooo, ooo = woof woof for dog
bah = for sheep
appuh = apple
up
down
ooo, ooo = woof woof for dog
bah = for sheep
It's funny, he doesn't really say mama or dada much. But he'll often try to mimic things we say, and can sometimes come pretty close with the syllables and sounds.
He's still our happy, easy baby. Though we find ourselves saying a lot lately that he's not a baby anymore! He's really becoming a little boy.
So, we have two growing boys on our hands. They bring so much joy!!!
