First Days of Preschool

Tuesday was Elise's first day of preschool alone. We went last Thursday for orientation and I got to stay with her. She enjoyed playing with the dolls and making friends while I and the other moms got last minute instructions and tips for the up coming year.
There were a few expected and unexpected things about Elise's first day. I expected Elise to be excited and she was VERY excited. She could hardly sit still to eat breakfast and I am sure I gave the same instructions at least 100 times. I expected that Elise wouldn't cry and she gave me a hug and kiss then went to join her class. I expected that I wouldn't cry, but well at least I made it to my car before breaking down. As I watched Elise through a little window she suddenly seemed so small. She is growing so fast and doing so many "big girl" things that is was totally unexpected to see her sitting there in class looking small. It also unexpectedly hit me that I was leaving my 3 1/2 year old with complete strangers. Suddenly 3 did not seem old enough to be going to preschool.

Elise's Prayer

To say Elise is obsessed with babies is an understatement. With so many friends either pregnant or just having babies Elise talks about babies constantly. Recently she asked me why we don't have a baby. I gave her the only explanation that would satisfy a 3 1/2 year old mind. "Mommy can't have a baby in her tummy again, only God knows why, and only He knows if we will have another baby. You can do what mommy and daddy do and pray for baby." So later that day when I asked her to put on her shoes, she told me to wait she had to pray for a baby. What happened next made me cry. She hopped up on the couch bowed her folded her hands, bowed her head, closed her eyes and prayed, "Dear God, thank you for this day and thank you for baby. Please let us have a baby. Amen."