We are the parents of a PRESCHOOLER!

Well, Colin officially completed his first week of preschool and I am proud to say it was a success. Preschool marks so many "firsts," some really scary, some so exciting.

1. The first time he had two consecutive days without a nap. First words as he got in the car on Wednesday, "Mom, I almost fell asleep in school."
2. The first time I left him with a complete stranger. I didn't cry and neither did he, in fact he didn't even look back.
3. His first of many many days at school. The teacher said he had a little trouble the first few minutes, "I could see him mentally making notes of all the toys he wanted to play with while I was reading the story," but she said it took just a gentle reminder that it was brain time and he was great after that.
4. His first homework. A connect the dots wagon picture, successfully completed
5. His first time being the new kid. His class is a group that has been together since August, so I gave him the challenge to remember at least one kids name each day and he did! He even introduced himself and promised me that he made sure to include everyone.

This week, I was so consumed with thoughts of everything that is to come. His many successes and failures that will be here all too soon, the heartache he will inevitably feel (and me too), the joy of friendship, the love of learning, excitement, fear, nerves, confidence. It comes so soon and is gone so fast. I'm just trying to hold on and keep my eyes open. In fact it made me remember my first day of first grade, being the new kid at a new school. I clearly remember seeing Kristen Hossa and talking to her because I knew I would like her and I still do 25 years later. I also clearly remember Brett totally stealing my thunder by being born on my first day of school. Herbie dropped me off, but I will never forget the feeling of seeing Dad at the end of the hallway to pick me up that day (behind the glass at the end of the first grade hall at SMS) and running to him because although it was fun to be at school, nothing ever feels quite as good as home.

OK, so maybe its just preschool and of course I am a little melodramatic, but can you really believe that the little baby who we all rushed to hold (and drove all night to see) is already 4, is already starting this little life of his own. Amazing!

PS Hockey has been postponed until mid February, I know that's all you really wanted to know about anyway