Xav starts pre-school

Last Wednesday my little Xav started pre-school for the very first time. He's never done any childcare, so this was his first foray into formal care - something I've been waiting until he is 3 to start. I really regret starting Grace at 2 - she & I both hated it, so after sticking it out for a bit I stopped her going. She wasn't ready and I didn't really need her their, I just got seduced by the thoughts of a toddler free day whilst I had a young baby, but looking back it wasn't necessary and didn't benefit anyone.

The centre that she was going to wasn't that great either. Actually, it's not that it was bad, just doesn't even come close to how fantastic the pre-school is that she goes to now. It's run for children aged 3-school age, all in the same room. It's in an converted house on acreage, so the kids have so much room to run around. They have chickens, guinea pig, huge sandpit, vegie gardens and a gorgeous outside wooden hut set up with lush big cushions for story time. There are 2 main carers with a student helper and they are all fantastic and so genuinely interested in the kids. They spend the days doing all the usual kindy things, plus sewing and cooking. Grace, although is still a little clingy when I go, loves it and I have no doubt that she is being treated as well as I would myself. The added bonus is as the pre-school is affiliated with her school, most of the children going on to school next year will be in her class. I think we worked out about 30 of the children that go to pre-school (only about 15 from the Tue/Wed group) will be starting together in the same class next year. The parents and children have all had time to develop relationships, that can only be beneficial for the school transition. Grace will be in the Moonlight prep room, and as part of the introduction to school, her prep teacher comes out to do a home visit. Ours is in August, and although to start with I was nervous about what they would be looking at/for, I've been reassured that it's merely just a visit for the child. It gives the teacher a chance to meet the children in their own environment, and spend an hour or so getting to know them and hopefully make the adjustment next year easier. I'm still trying to comprehend that my little baby girl, next year, is going off to school full-time. Even thinking about that makes me teary, yet excited about the next stage of her life. Everyone says how quickly it goes, but you don't really understand that until looking back. It feels like not that long ago I was cuddling my firstborn baby, not even thinking about school etc - all that seemed so far away. But it isn't. That precious time flies by so quickly.

Anyway, total digress. This is about Xav, and his new adventure.

I always knew that he's be fine, and I highly doubted that there would be any separation problems for him. He's been coming up with me every week for the last 18 months, he's comfortable with the place and the people.

He was so excited on his first day. He woke at 6am, and spent the whole morning asking if it was time to go yet. His bag was packed and re-packed as he raced around finding all his favourite things to take along and eagerly helping me make his lunch. I'd taken him to spotlight last week to pick out some material for his new bag, of course it was one covered in cars.

We took up the volcano, and as it was pouring outside we set it up inside ready to explode. All the kids sat around it in a circle and Miss Amanda made up a chant for them to say to get it to erupt. All the kids were excited! I loaded it up with bi-carb, and then poured in the red vinegar and waited for it to bubble over. The kids all roared with amazement as the red, froth started oozing over the top and all down the side. I set it off a few more times, and even after that the kids were requesting more! They would have loved to play in the "lava", but as it was set up inside, we explained that it would be too hot and they'd all just have to watch.

After the volcano was cleaned and packed away, it was time for me to say goodbye. Grace normally asks me to stay, but today she assumed the caretaker role and was quite happy for me to leave so she could look after Xav. Xav, the child that I have loved and taken care of for the last 3 years, couldn't have been any more fussed if I had walked out without saying goodbye. I insisted on a kiss and cuddle, but it was a brief farewell as he had things to do - busy boy!

It felt so strange to be driving away, leaving both my children in the care of others. It was my very first day child -free day. Of course I don't have them when I'm at uni (well, sometimes I've dragged them along), but this was different as I had nowhere that I had to be. I went home, did a token clean up, quickly did some school work and then spent the rest of the afternoon laying on the couch watch Private Practice. I'd got the first episodes on Dvd from the library as I'd missed them when it was on normal Tv. I watched 4 episodes back-to-back, whilst enjoying a few cups of tea and the best (Aldi) choc chip biscuits. It's been a long time since there has been silence in my house, considering my 2 ratbags don't sleep during the day! It was only 1 day of luxury though, as from now on Wednesday will be dedicated to housework and study.

Duane and I went to pick the kids up together, hoping for a bit of excitement. Nothing. They both wanted to stay and play. I asked the carers how Xav went, and they just raved about how well he fit in and how great and easy he was. There was one comment though about how much more "full on" he was compared to Grace! Very true! He doesn't stop moving or talking.

I asked him on the way how how his day was and in such an excited voice he told me "I was so much fun I got to have morning tea and then have a sleep" Gosh, the things he finds fun!