Alex Goes to School

Just as I was beginning to accept the fact that Alex is now a three year old (Gosh, that sounds so much older than two!), I was presented with yet another reality to face. He started preschool! All of a sudden, Alex is not only a three year old, he's also a student.

Last year, as we would drop Jacob off in his preschool classroom, Alex would waltz right in the door and easily immerse himself in the many activities and toys that were available. He'd get a couple minutes' worth of playtime as I chatted with the teacher and said goodbye to Jacob, or if he was really lucky, and I left something in the car, the teachers would say, "Go ahead and get it. We'll watch Alex."

Sometime during Jacob's last year of preschool, Alex began asking when he could go to school. My independent and smart little guy can be shy around new people, but once he warms up to them (which typically takes about a half hour), he's sociable, active, and playful. I knew he would be just fine in preschool. More than fine- I just knew he would thrive in it.

After the countdown to his birthday ended, it was time to begin counting down to the start of school.
"When I go to peeschool?"
"Day-bup (Jacob) in Tindergarten and I gonna go to peeschool!"

He was thrilled to select his very own lunch bag at Target, and without any hesitation, chose an Iron Man design. It was also exciting to try on new sneakers, a purchase that was a long time coming since the only shoes that fit Alex this summer were sandals and flip-flops. While running outside the other day in his well worn flip-flops, he tripped, and as he brushed himself off, he looked at me and said matter-of-factly, "Dis is why I need runnin' shoes."

It's tough to argue with logic.

Last week, we met his teachers (who are both very nice) and toured his classroom. And by "tour", I mean Alex went from playing with Play-Doh, to playing in the big vat of sand, to drawing on the markerboard. Pretty impressive run for only 20 minutes.

Then yesterday was his first official day of preschool.

It was *fun* getting 3 kids (including 1 who needed to breastfeed) and myself ready to head out the door by 8:30. I don't know how working moms get it all done at an hour even earlier than that. But finally, after ice packs were tossed in lunch bags, potties were peed in, teeth were brushed, sunblock had been applied, and boys were dressed and extra handsome, we were ready.

Jacob was kind enough to offer Alex a bit of wisdom as a preschool graduate.

Jacob: "Alex, the bathroom is close to your class. But remember, the circle and the triangle means it's for GIRLS and the circle and rectangle means it's for boys.

One time, I accidentally went in the girls' and then I realized, 'This doesn't look like my bathroom.'" And I ran out."

A pause as Alex and I digested this information.

Alex: "Otay."

Once the brotherly advice had been doled out, it was time for the big school boys to pose for Mommy's camera.


As Jacob headed off to school, he called out, "Have a good day at preschool, Alex!"

On our way to preschool!


Lucky for Alex, his cousin (and one of his best friends), Lainey, is also in his class. How cute are they together? If she weren't his cousin (and they weren't so often mistaken for twin siblings), then they would be the most adorable little couple. Wait- is that weird to say?


Alex easily found his cubby, and we hung up his valuable Iron Man lunch bag.


Name tags are necessary for the first day, but I have a feeling they'll easily remember Alex.


Just as he did when we dropped Jacob off at his preschool classroom, Alex trotted right on in and began playing. And just as I had done in Jacob's class, I chatted briefly with the teacher. The only difference was this time, I didn't get to take Alex with me. I hugged him, told him I loved him and to have a good day. And he ran right back over to the toys.
As I was leaving, I allowed myself one last look at my 3-year old. And found him happily trying on a fireman's helmet and calling to me, "Look, Mommy! I a fireman!"
I lingered in the doorway for a moment, watching to make sure he wasn't going to need to tell me anything else or see me again before I left. And he didn't. He was just fine. And I'll be fine too, once I manage to wrap my brain around the fact that two out of my three children are in school.

It seems he took his brother's advice and had a great first day. He told me about playing on the playground, eating his lunch, and reading a book with his teacher.
It was clear that preschool was every bit as exciting as he'd imagined.

Alex, the 3-year old. Alex, the preschooler.
I'll get used to it eventually. For now, I'm just happy he's happy.