Our First "School"
This week, the boys started their first school. They were home with a nanny until 13 months. She was amazing with them as infants. And she loved them so much. As they got older (and more mobile) we felt the boys needed a better learning environment. We prayed about this decision for months. I toured countless daycares and Montessori's and we both feel strongly that we found the right decision for us. The Lord just worked it all out for our nanny too.. she is a pastor's wife and when she started working for us, her church was out of their home. Over the last year, the Lord has worked in their lives and they have grown so large that they have rented a church space. She also felt that she needed more time to disciple the women of her church.
The boys are in the "older infant class" as they call it. There are 10 in their room. They move to 1 nap a day at 12 months so about a month before they went, we started moving their schedule to the school schedule to adjust them. They diaper standing up! (you would have to see it to believe it :-) They have a structured schedule of circle time, individual time, naps, snack, and outside time. The week before they started we took them twice to hang out and play and start to get comfortable. Their teacher is a sweetheart. She calls them all "little friends". The first time we took them and they got in "line time" to go inside, Beckett and Eli were holding hands.. so sweet..
The first day was hard on mommy. Of course we wore new school outfits our Ma got us and I tried to get pictures.
I was so nervous. Justin and I took them together. The night before I labeled their blankets and extra clothes. The school provides all meals, snacks, cups, bips, and most importantly diapers. All we do is provide the babies, blankets, and extra clothes! Justin carried in Beckett and I took in Eli. Justin put Beckett down and he crawled right off to join the other kids. As soon as Eli saw what was going on, he death gripped my neck. It was a difficult parting. I stood in the lobby of the school and watched the tv for awhile. He cried in his teachers lap until they went outside. I cried all the way home. I had to try and compose myself to go to work but it was hard. I cried at work. I waited until naptime to call the teacher and she told me Eli had a hard morning, Beckett did great, and they were both sleeping soundly.
Justin picked them up and got their first "report cards". I love that their school sends home an awesome daily report. We had such a language barrier with the nanny and always craved more information about their day. This way I know what they ate, how the slept, what they learned. Here are the first report cards.. so cute! I think if you click on them you can see them larger.
The second day we had a little fussing from Eli but nothing major. His report card said that he had a GREAT day! By the third day, he had even attempted to put his own work away and by the third day, Beckett crawled into line all by himself when dropped off. They are in such great moods when we pick them up. I swear its like they haven't seen their toys in days. They love playing at home again when they get home.
The director told me today at pick up that they are doing awesome. It makes me feel good that are safe, in such good hands, that all the teachers, directors know us and watch after our boys. Even after a few days the boys are doing so many new things. Eli has new words and he is pointing. Beckett is standing (and even unassisted sometimes) and always gets a good report about his lessons. (and lunch!) They are such big boys! Trusting someone with your children in never easy but I know God has amazing plans for them and its just another step in growing up. I thank God for Him leading us in these decisions, opening the doors for us, and providing the resources to help them be part of this wonderful school. To God be the Glory!
Love,
The Riley's
The boys are in the "older infant class" as they call it. There are 10 in their room. They move to 1 nap a day at 12 months so about a month before they went, we started moving their schedule to the school schedule to adjust them. They diaper standing up! (you would have to see it to believe it :-) They have a structured schedule of circle time, individual time, naps, snack, and outside time. The week before they started we took them twice to hang out and play and start to get comfortable. Their teacher is a sweetheart. She calls them all "little friends". The first time we took them and they got in "line time" to go inside, Beckett and Eli were holding hands.. so sweet..
The first day was hard on mommy. Of course we wore new school outfits our Ma got us and I tried to get pictures.
I was so nervous. Justin and I took them together. The night before I labeled their blankets and extra clothes. The school provides all meals, snacks, cups, bips, and most importantly diapers. All we do is provide the babies, blankets, and extra clothes! Justin carried in Beckett and I took in Eli. Justin put Beckett down and he crawled right off to join the other kids. As soon as Eli saw what was going on, he death gripped my neck. It was a difficult parting. I stood in the lobby of the school and watched the tv for awhile. He cried in his teachers lap until they went outside. I cried all the way home. I had to try and compose myself to go to work but it was hard. I cried at work. I waited until naptime to call the teacher and she told me Eli had a hard morning, Beckett did great, and they were both sleeping soundly.
Justin picked them up and got their first "report cards". I love that their school sends home an awesome daily report. We had such a language barrier with the nanny and always craved more information about their day. This way I know what they ate, how the slept, what they learned. Here are the first report cards.. so cute! I think if you click on them you can see them larger.
The second day we had a little fussing from Eli but nothing major. His report card said that he had a GREAT day! By the third day, he had even attempted to put his own work away and by the third day, Beckett crawled into line all by himself when dropped off. They are in such great moods when we pick them up. I swear its like they haven't seen their toys in days. They love playing at home again when they get home.
The director told me today at pick up that they are doing awesome. It makes me feel good that are safe, in such good hands, that all the teachers, directors know us and watch after our boys. Even after a few days the boys are doing so many new things. Eli has new words and he is pointing. Beckett is standing (and even unassisted sometimes) and always gets a good report about his lessons. (and lunch!) They are such big boys! Trusting someone with your children in never easy but I know God has amazing plans for them and its just another step in growing up. I thank God for Him leading us in these decisions, opening the doors for us, and providing the resources to help them be part of this wonderful school. To God be the Glory!
Love,
The Riley's