Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The First Day

The night before preschool, Elijah was awake for several hours - the first time he's slept that horribly in months. Not exactly the best start to his first day of school.
So, the first day of preschool... I got Elijah to school early. I dropped off all of his allergy medication. I made sure everyone knew what his food allergies were and how serious they were. I felt comfortable and sad and excited and nervous. Elijah explored the room. He smiled.  And then he found me, grabbed my hand, and brought me to the door - his way of asking to leave.  I think he was done exploring the room. I made sure they had everything they needed and went on my way, leaving part of myself behind.
I drove home and waited for the time to go pick up our son.  I sat in our house - alone - I think for the first time in over three years. I kept glancing at our monitor, expecting to hear something. It was quiet. And I missed him. 

I anxiously drove to school to pick up our boy to hear about his day.  When I arrived, he was crying. He'd been outside waiting with his classmates for the bus and wasn't happy about having to come back inside.  I can understand that...he doesn't like to come back inside when he isn't ready to do so.  My heart broke a little; he didn't seem to care that I was there.

Talking over Elijah's cries, they told me his day went well.  He'd asked (by bringing them to the door) to leave the classroom multiple times. They were -ahem- lucky enough to see some temper tantrums. His teacher put a stop sign on the door and that seemed to help a little.

They said he'd bumped his head on some playground equipment, which upset me.  My worries were realized! Andy called later and talked to his teacher to find out what had happened. Elijah had been closely monitored by a teacher who knows him from early intervention, but he'd lost his footing on the mulch in the playground.  He doesn't even have a mark. He's fine. I'm glad that they told us and my mind is at ease. We're considering having Elijah wear his thudguard until he gets more used to the school (his vision is better in familiar surroundings).

We drove home. I took Elijah out of his car-seat and finally he gave me exactly what I'd needed: a short snuggle. I soaked it in and said,

"Mommy missed you this morning Elijah!"

He giggled as if to say that missing him for two and half hours was ridiculous. And everything was all right in the world.

I think he liked school. And I will learn - eventually - to like my time alone too.

20 comments:

Kathy said...

Elijah, I am so proud of you going to school. You did very well. Don't forget to give your mom kisses and hugs when you get back home. Lisa, you've done a very good job at helping Elijah to become independent. There's more to our little guy than most can see. God will help him along. He has a purpose for him just as he does for all of us. Just want to let you know that I love you!!!! Mom/GrammaKat

Haasiegirl said...

what a sweetheart! I am so happy he had a wonderful day at school. Go elijah and go mommy for making it through!

trisha
momdot.com

Unknown said...

Aww! Sending little ones away from their mommies is always hard!! I know that feeling very well and I feel for you! It sounds like he's closely monitored though and that he's going to be just fine. Big hugs for mama because this isn't just a big first step for Elijah, this is a big first step for both of you!

Jessica @That Tech Chick said...

The first day is always the hardest day, it is always downhill from there.

Rachel said...

First of all - I LOVE his hair; he is adorable!

Second, he sounds like such a big boy . . . and it's obvious he knows it and was very ready to show you! {Hugs}, Mama -- I know that was a very hard day but it sounds like he was ready and well-prepared.

Rachel
followinginmyshoes.com

That Bald Chick said...

What a little sweetie. I have a bit of time yet before my two go off to school, but my hearts skips a beat even thinking about it!

Andrea Hatfield said...

He sounds like such a sweetheart. The first day of any new routine is always difficult but it sounds like he made it through just fine. You sure do have a handsome boy!

Sheilacakes said...

What a sweet little boy. I am glad Elijah had a good first day of school. He is stinkin adorable! I can't wait to read more about Elijah's adventures!

Brandy said...

Aw!! I admit I got a bit teary eyed because this reminds me of dropping my son off the first time for pre-k 2 years ago and kindergarten this year.

I think all mamas need an award for surviving the first days of school as it's no easy task. I'm glad to hear he had a great first day.

Brandy
creativelyb.com

Jennifer-Eighty MPH Mom said...

What a sweet little guy! I know it was rough, but it will definitely get better. I had to laugh at his giggle - you are silly Mom!

I look forward to learning more about Elijah too!

Faithfully Free Blog said...

He's a real cutie, and believe me you will learn to enjoy his school time! We moms need breaks too lol :)

Unknown said...

ohmy gosh he looks exhausted, poor guy, maybe we was so excited about school that he couldn't relax, happens to me all the time :)

melinda
lookwhatmomfound.com

Laurie said...

What a cutie, and I know how hard that must have been for you. My boys are 4 and have never been outside of the home. Kindergarten is coming, and I know how empty this house will feel. *big hugs* SO happy he had a great day.

Mandy said...

He is such a precious child! I'm so glad he had a great first day!

Staci A said...

He's such a cutie! That first day is so tough (for mom and little ones), but it sounds like it was a good experience for him! I hope he continues to enjoy school!

Blommi said...

My daughter also recently started in a special needs preschool program. It is scary for any mom to leave there child at school for the first time, but I think it weighs heavier on us.

I am actually surprised they have the bus kids picked up first, at DDs school, we have to pick up before the buses.

Kim @ What's That Smell? said...

What a cutie patootie! That first day is always so hard, it sounds like you both did great!

Kas said...

The first day of school is the hardest for both moms and the one going to school. Congrats Elijah for your very first day!
Kas

Shannon said...

What a precious little boy. I am so glad Trisha (a blogging friend) suggested it to me. I have a three year old who has Chromosome 22q11.2 Duplication Syndrome and he is in PPCD (Preschool Program for Children With Disabilities). Is that what Elijah is in? I am so happy to have found your blog. My son isn't very verbal and can't tell me about his day so those charts telling me what they did etc. are always great.

Lisa said...

Thanks for all the comments ladies! You all made my day and lifted me up. It IS hard to send your kiddo to school and I'm not the only one who thinks so. :)

Shannon - Elijah is in a special needs class, but I've never heard it referred to as PPCD. Sounds like it's the same thing, though. He's one of four in his class. It's tiny and I like that - more individual attention.

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