Today was AJ’s first day of preschool.
He was so nervous! It had me a bit worried. I never had to deal with Gwen being nervous. She was just so easy going that she would just jump into whatever was her next thing. AJ is more reserved (more Abby-like). It takes him time to warm up to things.
He was super excited until it was time to get out of the van…
After a few minutes I realized that my calm reassurance was not going to cut the mustard. I didn’t want to force things, afraid that that would have the opposite affect. As a last act of desperation I remembered that I had a Saint Gerard medal on me (patron Saint of Motherhood…boy did he earn his title today!) I told AJ that I was really shy as a little girl and that if he got out of the car, I would show him my secret weapon.
I showed him the medal and explained that I keep it with me and it gives me super Mommy powers. I told him that he could keep it in his pocket and whenever he felt scared, he can feel the medal in his pocket and remember that he is brave. Believe it or not…that seemed to work.
Miracle of Miracles he met me at the door 3 hours later with a big smile. “I had a great time, Mom!!!” He said. phew! Crisis Averted. Here is the photo-journalist version of the story:
Before:
During:
After:
Additional Comments:
I forgot to mention that I took the young man to McDonald’s (as requested) for a happy meal and he proceeded to pull out my chair for me. Not only brave, but a gentleman as well.
In other news …I let Rylen know that he must be my baby forever. He responded by hugging me, then pushing his way out of my arms to follow his brother. I think that was his kind way of saying, “Fat Chance.” I don’t know how much more of the “aging” I can take. As is tradition at our house the kids get ot pick thier First Day of School meal each year. AJ chose Mac N Cheese (a complicated dish, I know). Ry finished his, pushed his bowl away, pulled AJ’s bowl over and finished that as well.
