From a Toddler to a Boy: Pre-School and Soccer

We have finished our first week of preschool, and even though it was only two days due to Labor Day (Eliot goes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), I feel like we really accomplished something. I have to say that I love this new stage that we've entered!

Eliot obviously hasn't been a toddler for a while, but I feel like we've stepped into a new world of him being a big boy. He's doing such big things. When I look at him, he doesn't look like a three-year-old; he seems like a four-year-old, which he will be in about four months (eek!).

Monday morning, we got up and I made breakfast. We took our time getting ready, and I felt sick to my stomach with nerves. I was afraid he would cry when I left. I was afraid he'd have accidents since he was in a new place. I was afraid he wouldn't eat.

Eliot was nervous, but excited. His teachers are really sweet and I felt at ease leaving him there. Then I took Jack to my mom's house to be watched so I could work. I went home and worked for a while. The three hours went by quickly and it was time to get the little guy. I walked in and saw him sitting on the floor with the other kids. When he noticed me, his eyes lit up, he ran to me, and he gave me the biggest hug. I was so glad to see him. His teacher said he did well! In the car, he sang songs they sang, said they made handprints with paint, and told about how he was the leader of the playground (not sure if I believe that one all the way--he might have thought he was the leader). All of my worries were put to ease. No accidents. He ate his snack. No tears.

I wanted to make it a special day for him, so Chris and I offered to take him to lunch. He just wanted a slurpee and a donut. When we got home, he lay on the floor with Chris and cuddled. He is such a sweetheart.

Later that evening, it was time for his first soccer practice. We had a super busy day. He did really well as they worked on passing, dribbling, and kicking goals. I'm not saying he was a soccer star (I mean, he is three), but he did great listening to directions, which was my biggest concern. The team had to pick a name, so earlier in the week I had told him to try to think of a team name. At first, he said Godzilla. I told him that the other kids probablyyyy wouldn't like Godzilla like he does. His second suggestion was Dinosaur. When the coach asked for name ideas at practice, he yelled, "DINOSAUR!" Two of the other boys agreed while a girl teammate wanted to be The Ballerinas and another boy wanted to be The Thunder (which would have been so cool too). In the end, they decided to be The Dinosaurs. Ha.

On Thursday, Eliot slept until almost 8:00 am, which is crazy for him. He was worn out. We relaxed around the house and played for a while. In the afternoon, we had lunch at Panera and bought some more soccer shorts for Eliot. After such an eventful Wednesday, it was nice to re-group. In the evening, though, Eliot started saying that he didn't want to go to school the next day. He said he wouldn't have fun.

Come morning, Eliot still insisted that he didn't want to go to school. I wasn't liking this change and worried that it was here to stay. When it was time to get him dressed, though, he went along with it and didn't complain at all. I dropped him off and he didn't say anything negative. When I picked him up, I got another big hug, which made me so happy. The teacher said she wanted to take him home with her and that he was very sweet. It's true. He's so kind and affectionate. Eliot sang me more songs and told me about his day.

Eliot hasn't been a baby for a while, but now that is doing such "big boy" activities, I feel like it is an affirmation that he is growing into a great kid. Sometimes working from home, I feel like our days lack structure that most people are used to. We have so many possibilities every morning, and I have worked hard to establish a clear time for Chris and I to work (sometimes taking turns) while also taking care of the kids. It's a balance between work and fun that we must re-visit from time to time. With Eliot in pre-school and doing soccer, he has more activities to keep him entertained. It's only been a few days, but I love how he has grown more independent and can do things without me around all the time. I like having these events to look forward to. I love watching he become an individual while also playing with kids his age.