Makena's 1st Day of Preschool

Makena on her 1st Day of Preschool

Wow! It's been such a whirl wind since we've gotten back from our summer on the mainland. After moving into a house in UpCountry Makawao, the day has arrived that Makena starts preschool. Mom & Dad can hardly believe it... and Makena is excited as excited can be.

Makena showing off her "Hello Kitty" lunch box.

Makena is attending Maui Montessori 3 days a week. The campus is absolutely beautiful with such a friendly staff. The school itself goes all the way through 8th grade. Makena has a friend from church, Jack, who is also attending the montessori. But for the most part, Makena is meeting all new children. In fact, everyone in her class is a new face, which doesn't seem to phase her in the least.

Makena making a silly face.

Mom, Dad & Sydney all accompanied Makena on her 1st day of school. We all talked a bit before leaving the house about what to expect when we got there. I told Makena when we arrived to her classroom, we would meet her teacher, Ms. Christine. Then Mommy, Daddy & Sydney would all give her a hug, say goodbye and she would then go into the class and meet the rest of the kids.

Makena being the brave little 3-year-old she is, as soon as we pulled into the school & got out of the car, Makena turned to us, gave us all big hugs and said "Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Bye, Sydney!" And was ready to go on her way to her big 1st day. We reminded Makena that first we needed to stop by the front office, drop off some paperwork and find out where her classroom was. Haha!

Once we got to the front office, Makena again says, "Bye Mom! Bye Dad!" and gave us all huge hugs. We again reminded her, we had to find out where her classroom was... then we'll all say goodbye.

We finally made it to Makena's classroom. We met Makena's teachers Ms. Christine and Ms. Valerie, learned where to put our slippers, lunch box and sign in... And at last! The final farewell took place. Without any hesitation, Makena (for the 3rd time) told us all goodbye, gave us all hugs and ventured into her classroom.

I thought I was doing a great job of keeping my cool, when Dusty slightly nudged me to start walking. Coming out of my daze, Sydney & I said goodbye to Dusty and walked on to our car. I didn't expect to be hit with so many emotions. But saying goodbye to Makena as she stayed at preschool, was a bit more tear-jerking than I ever imagined. And it wasn't Makena in tears, it was Mom!!

Luckily, I still have one sweet baby girl to spend my time with. As I got Sydney into her car seat, she blew me kisses and said, "I love you" in the kind of baby talk that only moms can understand. And luckily my friend, Amanda, invited me over to her house for a baby play date with her son, Jonah. I had no idea just how much I would need that play date until the actual day arrived. Amanda & Jonah may have saved me from being one emotional Mommy while her daughter was attended her first day of preschool.

The day went on, Sydney took her nap and at last the time had arrived to pick Makena up. You won't be surprised to here Makena had an amazing day. She loved her teachers! Loved the kids! And Ms. Valerie commented that its as if Makena had always been in the class. While this was Makena's 1st day, school had been in session for 2 weeks. And according to Ms. Valerie you would of never known. Makena felt very comfortable, was very social and loved learning.

At one point during the day, I talked with my mom on the phone. She reminded me someday I would be dropping Makena off at college! Phew... until then, I'll just treasure our days at preschool.