I spent last night and this morning picking out Ariah’s clothes, talking to her about making new friends, and emotionally preparing myself for the major milestone of her no longer being in my full time care. For the past year, her daily care was my first priority: she was home with me, attending my meetings, running errands, and everywhere I was for over 365 days. Today, she started her classroom educational journey with her peers and began her first transitional half day in her new school.
I will admit, I was very emotional and experienced a little separation anxiety but it was much easier this second time around. What did I do to help me prepare?
- Scheduled time away- for the past month, I scheduled time for her to be away from me. During these occasions, she was with my parents, family members and friends with kids. Because Ariah is far more attached to me than Alana was, it was imperative to have incremental periods away to gradually get her adjusted to being apart. This prompted her to walk right in to the classroom and explore the new space and meet her friends. She cried a little when I first left the room but quickly regrouped once comforted by the staff.
- Called love ones- my hubby is working out of town this week and wasn’t present to witness our baby girl take on the world. I called him on FaceTime so he wouldn’t miss this milestone and he consoled me when the tears trickled down my cheeks. I also spoke with a few friends and family members who wanted to know how Ariah’s first day went (how mommy was doing while Ariah was being a big girl).
- Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name…and they’re always glad you came- I decided to treat myself to brunch at one of my favorite spots Eggs Up Grill. The food is delicious and the employees treats their customers like family. They immediately noticed that the girls weren’t with me and that I was dining on a week day instead of our normal weekend. They also took note that my face was a little melancholy. When I told them that my littlest lady bug began school today, they empathized and promised to take great care of me. That they did!
- Ran errands- whew…I almost forgot how quickly I can run errands when I don’t have to carry a car seat with a growing baby (half my size) and a baby bag. Today I ran a few errands to make my time productive and take my mind off us being apart. Quite a few of the places (Bank, post office, pharmacy) asked where she was because they are accustomed to seeing her by my side.
- Checked in- I stopped back by to see how she was adjusting and the report was completely completely positive. She ate most of her lunch, enjoyed story time in her teacher’s arm and played well with her classmates. When I took a peek, I found her in the most peaceful sleep.
Ariah had a great first transitional day at school. She braved the world and did incredibly well. She was excited when I returned to pick her up. Just look at this bright smile…
Before getting her big sister, we went to Barnes & Noble to pick out her book for tonight’s story time- Curious George Ready for School. I thought the topic was completely appropriate. All of a sudden while shopping, she didn’t want me to hold her anymore. She literally wanted to walk everywhere and strut her stuff. She was tickled by everyone’s reaction to her walking. To add to it, when we arrived at her sister’s school, she walked down the hall yelling “Hey!”. Watch out world..there is no turning back. Ariah is here!
Next week, she will begin full days of school. I will be sure to update you all on that experience. Until then,
Xoxo