We've been looking for a new school for Khyri for the last few months. We were able to get him into the Little Apron Academy (LAA), a Bright Start center very close to the hubby's job. We pulled him out of his daycare and for the past two months, Khyri has been enjoying his summer with Kielle and I at home everyday. I have gotten so used to having him around. Literally every morning he comes into our room and gets on the outer edge of the bed on my side and waits for me to open my eyes. How sweet is that!?!?! What a great way to wake up each morning! I love having Khyri stay home with me, but I know that he has to grow up and spread his wings. Some things can stay the same though right!?!?!?
I woke up this morning, Monday, August 6th, to my baby boy on the edge of my bed again :-) He must have known we had a big day ahead of us, because he wasn't awake. He was in a deep sleep. While looking at him, I reassured myself (for the umpteenth time ahha) that this is a great next step for Khy and I got up and got dressed. I was super quiet because I didn't want to wake him up. I wanted him to get as much sleep as possible and, more importantly, to shake off my nerves before he woke up ahahha. I had laid Khyri's clothes out the night before so we were ready to go. I had also packed his Georgia Tech bookbag with back up clothing and sunscreen. Time to get started. But before I woke him up, I had to snap a few photos :-)
Khyri knew that he was starting his new school today and though he seemed excited, he still took forever to get dressed. I mean really?!?! How long does it take to put on your socks??! Good thing the hubby, Kielle and I were dressed already - half the battle was won.We were not going to be late on the first day! Not.On.My.Watch.
Since we had visited the school back in May, Khyri wasn't surprised or nervous en route to LAA. He actually seemed calm and ready when we pulled up to the front door. He surveyed the area and got reacquainted with the building.
After we got some new brochures about the curriculum, read the classroom procedures, and learned how to check Khyri in and out, we went down the stairs and headed to Khyri' classroom.
When we got to the classroom, Khyri was a little hesitant to go inside. We opened the door and his teacher came outside to talk to us. Khyri was not budging. This was going to take some coaxing hahahaha. I got down on my knees so I could be eye level with him and explained to him that he will have a great time here making new friends, learning new things, and playing with toys. As I was talking to him, a little boy literally came bounding down the hall towards the classroom next door. His mother could not keep up with him; he was so so excited to get into that room! I said, "Look at how happy he is to go to school Khyri! Man it must really be fun inside if he's so excited!" Next thing I know, Khyri squared up his shoulders, turned the knob, and walked into the classroom.
As the teacher came towards the door to welcome him in, I ducked behind the outside wall and started crying. He looked like a big boy! This is the beginning. I saw Khyri's whole life flash before my eyes. First he leaves me for preschool, then for college, then for his wife. So. Not. Ready. I probably cried for about 2 minutes... ok maybe 3. I got myself together, wiped my eyes and walked into the room with a huge smile on my face. I didn't want Khyri to feel my anxiety. I thought I heard Khyri call for me. I thought Khyri needed my assistance. I thought I needed to scoop up my baby boy and take him home. I was wrong. By the time I got into the room - home skillet had moved on and didn't need me at all! He was over at the sink with his teacher washing his hands (they have to wash their hands every time they enter the room). Geesh!?!? Doesn't he remember the good times at the house with me??!?! *pouting*
After the hubby and I met all three of Khyri's teachers, including one that has the same name as me!, we placed Khryi's bookbag in his cubby and snuck out while he played with an abacus. We took some photos on the way out - doesn't this place look GREAT!??
I was pretty proud of myself for not completely breaking down, in front of the children, at the school hahahahha. I took some pictures of the building after we walked out. Kielle looked back at Khyri as we left and said "Bye Bye Rhee". The smile on her face let me know everything was going to be just fine. After we dropped off Khy, Kielle and I headed off to Publix supermarket. There's nothing like purposeful shopping to distract your thoughts :-)
At 2:30pm I headed over to LAA so that I could get my security badge. The badge office closed at 3:00pm so I figured I would just take Khyri home after I got my badge. I sat down, snapped my photo, and became an official LAA parent :-)
When we got to Khyri's classroom, I peek in and what do I see?, Khyri sitting at a small table eating baby carrots with two other kids :-)
The teachers said that Khyri did really well! One teacher said that he ate 3 helpings for vegetables. Is this the same kid that had a pea stand off with me?!?! Another teacher said that he went straight down for his nap. All three teachers were amazed that Khyri can read. They said that he read 3 books to the teachers. One teacher said that when Khyri worked on the computer he started reading the prompts on the screen and she was impressed :-) I told them that I work with him at home and that I would appreciate them challenging him as much as possible. Let's keep the knowledge train moving forward! After speaking with the teachers, I sat down at the table (after washing my hands of course), and chatted a bit with Khyri and the other kiddos.
When he finished his carrots, we grabbed his bookbag and headed to the car. On the way out, we had to stop at the aquarium (The Georgia Aquarium is a partner with the school) and of course pose with the dolphin statue outside!
