a blog about raising a daughter with cerebral palsy and learning unexpected lessons along the way

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

High on Preschool

I knew Oia would be a bit hesitant with the transition into Preschool. Despite being a social girl, she is still very much a girl who appreciates the company of mommy and/or daddy at all times and we can't blame her. She depends on us for many things; things that are beyond her control. In addition, we sent her during a time of immobility and shaken confidence as a result of her ankle injury. And so it was no surprise that after a couple of clingy and tearful mornings in the first two weeks, my predictions were proven correct. Red face, bottom lip, tears...hard on the both of us. The rocky start led to Oia's teacher suggesting that Oia come an additional day (3 full mornings instead of 2) to help Oia get comfortable with the change and the suggestion has made all the difference; and almost immediately.

Now, as far as I can tell, this girl loves Preschool!

How do I know this about a girl who can not fully communicate with me? Well, she's beaming with an ear to ear smile when I pick her up; not a washed look of relief on her face as in the tearful beginning. At one pick-up, she motioned and reached back for the classroom once we exited and made our way into the hall to leave the building which translates to "I'm not ready to leave yet." She toddles out of the school on her own two feet, carrying her own backpack, proudly saying "bye-bye" to all she passes; not clingy to my neck and being carried out of the building while saying a pathetic "Go, Mommy, Go" as she once did. She jabbers up a storm on the way home as if to tell me all about her morning; while I drive, listen and wished to hell that I knew what she was tell me but still thankful to "hear" all about it. She gets home, one day refusing to take off her backpack and appears to be high on Preschool as she aimlessly 'runs' the length of our house, laughing at herself and playing like tomorrow may never come. Our fridge is filling fast of Oia's Preschool masterpieces that she proudly shows to daddy once he makes his way in the door from a long day at work. Oia's actions are her words and I hear them loud and clear because on school days, she is as happy as I have ever seen her.

And I hope this never changes...

9 comments:

  1. Sounds like Mom is pretty happy too! So glad things are working out there. Joey started preschool also - and he loves it! I like to sneak in and just watch him interact for a few minutes. Nothing like watching your child being happy!

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  2. Her communication is loud and clear! So glad that she's loving it and that she's telling you about on the way home. I'm sure it's music to your ears and I understand how much you wish you could understand what she's saying. I so get that. Yay for happiness in our kiddos! I think my little man will like it too once he (we) get into the swing of things. :)

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  3. I'm so happy for the 3 of you!! What a difference it must make in every one of your days knowing she's so happy. Oia may not 'speak' yet, but she is heard loud and clear! I find Hanna's actions and expressions so clear to tell me what she wants, or needs, or thinks! I'm so glad everything's looking up for you guys!! :)

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  4. Wow! So happy to hear she's enjoying her days at school now =D What a relief it is to you, I'm sure! Thanks for sharing your little stories. I love reading all about her!

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  5. So glad she loves it- And Aunt Tara, Uncle Bob and cousins Callie and COlton love her too!

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  6. How lovely for you all. Hannah is the same way - she moved to the two year old room, with the kids who went before her because they were more mobile, and she is in heaven to be with peers and playing hard on a playground all day. Don't you love seeing that joy on your daughter's face, that she is out in the world and the world loves her back?

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  7. Awesome!! I am so happy for you all! There is nothing better than knowing your kids are content!

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  8. That's great. I think Charlie is enjoying preschool as well. He's always excited when we tell him it's a school day adn he gets on the bus with no problems.

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