our little corner of the world: September 2010

think like a thirteen month old

And don't leave tissue boxes within reach.

This is the second time we've made this mistake. The best thing about Andrew's discovery is that he was attempting to put them back inside.

flourish

"I love preschool!" Morgan exclaimed this morning before we ever set foot out of the house. I was glad that her enthusiasm hadn't left her since last week's open house, but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the moment I'd drop her at the door of preschool this morning, anxious about that first day of separation.

Just before departure, I held Andrew in the kitchen as Morgan finished up in the bathroom. As I gently bounced him in my arms, I leaned my forehead into his and began to pray aloud, asking for a smooth smart to this new adventure and a great first day.

As it turns out, there was nothing to fear.

Several children (and hovering parents) were inside the classroom when we arrived. We were greeted by the assistant teacher who pinned a name tag to Morgan's shirt and handed me a September snack reminder. I didn't want a long good-bye, and so after kneeling down awkwardly with Andrew in my right arm, I asked Morgan for a kiss and planted one on her cheek. She gave me a hug as I reminded her how much fun she would have playing.

And that was it. A perfectly timed farewell as Mrs. B. came along to welcome Morgan. "Let's go find something to play with, Morgan." They locked hands and walked away, as Andrew and I turned to the door.

From the hall, I lingered at the two-way mirror with other parents who were also interested in the success of their children, unbeknownst to the little preschoolers. Morgan was seated at one of the tables, plugging pieces into the peg board. Interacting with the assistant, she smiled. And from the hall I choked up. She was okay, and safe... and happy.

It was rather strange to drive home with only Andrew in the back seat. Over the years, the slow crescendo of voices and music that make up the noise of our travel was suddenly brought to a halt. However, the silence at home was golden as Andrew napped. I had forgotten what it was like to have just one child! And a sleeping one, at that!

My strong curiosity took us back to preschool 15 minutes prior to dismissal. I wanted to know how Morgan was fairing. As I watched from the secret looking-glass, I could see her finishing her snack. Something with a spoon. Then she tipped back her head to polish off her drink. Soon Mrs. B. was giving instructions and I watched with pride as Morgan listened, followed and obeyed. After a quick story, the children were matched with their parents and the day was over.

The car ride was pretty quiet, except for the latest loan (groan) from the library: Veggie Tales 25 Favorite Christmas Songs! As we were unloading in the garage, Morgan asked a few questions about when we'd return, and if I would be coming, as well as if preschool lasted the whole day. I'm not quite sure if she was trying to plan ahead or ease her mind about the frequency of this new schedule. In the same way we make a paper chain to count down important dates, this afternoon we made an interactive week at-a-glance sheet for the refrigerator so she can actually visualize time.

It wasn't until we were seated at the table eating lunch that Morgan was willing to share about her day.

"We had TWO books!"

"I had fwoot for snack! Peaches. And the peach spilled and went on my hand like this!"

"I played with the barn. And the am-i-nals. And they had food. Birdseed. No! (insert laughing)"

Huh?

"Will Andrew be sad the next time I go to school? I betcha he will miss me."

As Morgan and Andrew and I continued to eat, I breathed a sigh of relief and sent up a quick thank you. The first day was under our belt. And it was a resounding success.

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7

Morgan was a willing participant this morning for first-day pictures. Very out of character for her. She insisted that the front porch was the perfect picture location.

Loving her new socks

picnic in the park

On a whim this afternoon I emailed Scott with the subject line: picnic dinner. In it, just one sentence. Wanna meet us at the park after work? I didn't have to wait very long for my phone to ring.

"What's this about dinner at the park. Are you serious? I will be in my dress clothes."

Scott isn't a fan of dining al fresco. I already had an answer for his hesitation.

"I'll bring some clothes for you. We own a van. Change in the van."

He reluctantly agreed.

We spent the next hour and a half eating our family dinner on an old sheet underneath the trees and running around on the playground. With just a handful of kids nearby, Andrew was able to crawl freely on the playscape as Morgan explored without hesitation.

Yes, we brought Andrew's seat. Bringing that meant our
little guy would stay put and actually focus on eating!

With all of the newness this week, tonight's trip to one of our favorite parks was almost like a last hoorah to summer. Morgan started Sunday school again yesterday with a new teacher in a new classroom. This morning, she and Andrew were in the church nursery while I attended the first MOPS steering meeting of the year. And tomorrow? Day one of preschool. I think Morgan and I both share excitement and uneasiness in anticipation of what the morning will bring.

Once again we're about to experience a shift in our world. A few schedule changes, a couple of tweaks to the routine. All signals that our kids are growing up right before our eyes.

rewind

Aside from Andrew's birthday, we have oodles of photos on file from last month that all seem worthy of sharing. So with no rhyme or reason, here is a sampling:

Happy after a roast beef sandwich at lunch