Starting new things

Makayla started preschool on Tuesday, September 16. At first I was worried that she would be shy and wouldn't want me to leave her there, but that was not what happened at all. She was a bit hesitant at first seeing all the kids she hadn't met before. I helped her change into her indoor sneakers and encouraged her to go play Play-Doh with some of the other kids. The parents were all hanging around waiting to see if their kid was going to need them. Makayla warmed up quickly and soon she ran up to me and said "You can leave now. I'm going to stay here." I didn't leave right away, just in case. So she came back up to me and said "I told you that you could leave now." I guess that was my cue. So I was the first parent out the door.

The preschool that is operated by the Boys and Girls Club takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11am. Makayla comes to work with me at 8am for an hour and then I drive her to preschool for 9. I pick her up and take her to her sitter's then I stop at home for a quick lunch and head back to the office. If my schedule doesn't allow me to take her to preschool, I have a neighbour whose son also goes to the preschool who has agreed that we will help each other out when things come up. Makayla's sitter has also agreed to take her sometimes as long as I give her notice since she has one other girl that she looks after that she needs to get a car seat for.
Makayla has enjoyed preschool so far. She actually brought home some "homework" the other day. It was just a worksheet where they have to trace the letter B, but she was so excited about it. She hasn't been opening up much about what they are doing at preschool. When I ask her, she just changes the subject like she doesn't want to discuss it. She opened up a bit after Tuesday's class, so hopefully she will share more. I miss not knowing what's going on in her day.



Makayla also started tap dancing on Monday, September 22. She wasn't shy there either and she loved the class. The parents were allowed to stay and watch the first night, but starting next week, we have to stay out while the class is in session. There were about 12 kids in her class, two of which were boys. There is another Michaela in her class and my Makayla stayed glued to her side throughout the entire class. So cute. She followed the teacher very well and really seemed interested in what they were learning. The teacher was wonderful with the kids. She never stopped the entire half hour and was constantly doing something with them. Makayla was played out when the class was over. She can't wait for next week.

Fall is here

The weather has gotten cooler in the mornings and evenings, and that is the sure sign that fall has arrived. We enjoyed our summer at the campground although the weather wasn't that spectacular this year. I think that I heard that we had 20% more rain in July/August than average. Makayla learned 2 new things this summer at the campground:

1. To ride her bike (with training wheels) all by herself

2. To swing without anybody pushing her

I am very proud of her for working hard this summer to figure these things out.

Next week she starts preschool for 2 mornings each week. She is excited for this and has been asking me almost daily when she starts school. I talked to the coordinator and she told me that there are 7 or 8 kids registered, so it's a very small group, but they are all kids that Makayla will go to school with.

I also signed Makayla up for tap dancing. She has been mesmerized with anybody dancing at various events we have gone to, and even on TV's "So You Think You Can Dance". After she was registered she told me that she needed tap shoes and a tap dress, so I had to comply. I will post a picture as soon as I take one. These classes start in a couple of weeks.