Let the Joy Come In

Monday was our first full day at school and it was very tough. Abbey screamed the whole two hours of nap time, "Mama, I want Mama", as I attempted to work in the office next door. It was extremely hard for me. She fought her way out and escaped twice only to be carried back. The next day she didn't cry but didn't sleep either. The next day she cried a little and still didn't sleep, and then on Thursday she didn't cry and she did sleep, I was thrilled! It was so hard because she was so stressed at night and in the mornings asking me over and over if she was going to have to nap at school. By Friday she was acting like it's totally normal and everyone does it, which of course they do. I just really had to tell myself that it would build security in her heart to get through this and know that I will still be there each day and that she will always come home with me. I think somehow she thought she might have to spend the night there. So I feel like we've overcome a big hurdle this week. Thanks to all of you that held us up and offered advice and encouragement.
It has really been fun to have this little chance to be her teacher. In another week she'll be starting her real class for the school year, but she will still come to my room for phonics each day. She is singing all the new songs she's learned at school. If I can get drop shots or youtube working here I'll post her doing her favorite..."Goodbye, goodbye, see ya later alligator. In a while, croccodile, with a snap, snap, snap and a great big smile." She started trying to write letters this week. She's done a little before with L and O but this week she did lots of very good A's and a T. It's funny that even though I'm a teacher I haven't wanted to work with her on academic things, I just want her to have fun. I know she will pick up things at the proper time, so I'm in no hurry to introduce them. I love to listen to her self talk as she rehearses things that have gone on at school. I also got to see a little naughty side in the classroom. I don't know if it was for my benefit or not, but she definitely tried pushing some boundaries and got a couple of time outs. She's really determined to hold her own and look out for herself with other kids.
She's also been creating some of her own very sweet songs. Last week it was "Let the Lord come in, and let the joy come in, like the rain comes down" and it was really beautiful. This week her theology got a little mixed up and she was singing "Cinderella's castle, Sleeping Beauty's house, Hallelujah", although I guess there could be a song of thanksgiving for princesses.
Abbey had been saying she wanted a Snow White umbrella and I was thinking there is no way I would be able to find one here. When we went shopping this week guess what we ran right into? You got it, a Snow White umbrella. I couldn't believe my eyes. This little one has connections in high places.