John Henry's first day of school

Today John Henry started St. Paul's PK3 program. It is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-3. I have been really nervous about him going to school, so we have tried to prepare John Henry for it by really talking it up. He is not one to leave us and try new things, so we (mainly I) were really worried that he would be miserable and cry all day. He has never been away from us with people he didn't know. No babysitters or even the church nursery. We tried that one time, and it was a disaster.

He got to pick his lunchbox and backpack. He chose a green backpack because his favorite color is light green. :) He picked a metal lunchbox (that was the only choice he was given) with a train on it. He acted excited about school, but then he would say that he didn't want to go tomorrow "just in a few couple weeks later."

He actually went to bed early last night, which made for a better morning. We got up and I packed his lunch. It felt so strange to be packing a lunch! He had a turkey sandwich in the shape of dinosaurs (I thought I was crafty until I saw this- http://www.anotherlunch.com/), ranch rice cakes, 2 chocolate chip cookies that we made yesterday, and water.

We took pictures before we left. John Henry said his lunchbox was too heavy to hold, so we put it in his backpack. Then he said that was so heavy that he was going to fall down.

We walked him into his classroom, put his lunch and backpack in his cubby, and told him to have a good day. He started screaming and crying. Mrs. Munger tried to hold his hand and he jerked it away (so embarrassing!) and tried to get us to hold him. We left, and I immediately started crying. I went to Chick Fil A to get an unsweet tea and I sat in the parking lot and cried and texted Laudan. I knew if I called anyone I would cry.

I was worried all day, but I am not going to lie, I did enjoy my time alone while Macey took a long nap. I got much more nervous as it was time to go pick him up.

Kurt met us at the school to pick him up at 12:15. Yes, overprotective mom didn't let him stay the whole day. The kids were coming up from lunch when we walked in. I made Kurt hide behind a wall so John Henry wouldn't see us until he got to his classroom. Crazy, I know.

Kurt was giving me the report from behind the wall- (It sounds much more crazy than it was, I promise.) John Henry was smiling and talking to his friends! I was soooo happy that I wanted to cry again. Mrs. Munger said he stopped crying right after we left, probably before we got to the car! I am so proud of him. I thought he would be sad, but he did great. I guess I cried all morning for no reason.

He told us about his day and a little boy that brought fishing worms, playing on the playground, and eating lunch next to Patrick (his friend Ava's daddy). He told me they read a story and Mrs. Munger told the kids to clean up the toys before they could go outside. He said he only picked up one, but I really hope that isn't true.

He got a prize for going to school for the first time- a bag of sharks. He is obsessed with sharks these days. He didn't want to take a nap when we got home b/c he wanted to get in the bath and play with them. He stayed in the bath for 2 hours, playing.

John Henry said he is excited about going back to school! I asked him if he wants me to pick him up after lunch or stay and play longer. He said he wants to stay and play longer. I really cannot believe it, but I am so thankful. God certainly answered our prayers!

We have to go get him a nap mat now. I didn't even buy one b/c I didn't think he would ever stay and sleep there. Who is this kid?! He even rode home from school with Kurt and not me!

My first day of school flowers from Kurt. :)