Jillsie geht in der Schule!

I've been feeling a bit torn about our decision to send Jills to preschool. It sounded like such a good idea when we signed up for it back in April. I was exhausted and needed help. But lately, I've been feeling so wonderful, and Jillsie and I have settled into such a nice routine, that I've been second-guessing. So, following the "better safe than sorry" maxim, I figured we'd give it a go. If she hates it, or I hate it, or I am overwhelmed by maternal guilt for putting my child in preschool for no apparent reason, I can always pull her out.

She's only going three days a week, for up to four hours a time. As it turns out, drop off and pick up times are quite flexible, so if I only need an hour or two, so be it. This is good. On the other hand, if I need to go to the doctor or have a meeting, I have built in childcare for four hours. This, too, is good. And, if I am feeling exhausted, the peace of mind that comes from knowing the German teachers will provide Jills with a far more stimulating morning than I could by napping on the couch, is also good.

So, without further ado, here's what you really want to see. The photo documentation of Jillson's first day of "school."

Breakfast this morning. So much for the cute, clean outfit.


All set to go! Backpack, raincoat, and lunchbox required.



Jillson's hook at the school. Please note the required hand towel, cup, toothpaste, and toothbrush. They are really into hygiene at the preschool!



Drop off was almost effortless. There were only three other kids in her room that early in the morning, and Jills started playing with them almost immediately. There was a semi-crisis when Jillson's brand new haus schuhe were too tight (ah, my rapidly growing child!), but the teachers were very understanding and allowed Jills to wear her outside shoes inside.

When I picked Jillson up, she was in a great mood. The teachers reported that she talked the whole time. Of course. And that she ate her entire snack. Imagine that. When we left the room, Jills said "bis morgen!" and "bye, bye, friends!" Aw.

Here she is, scooting into the shared play areas, outside the two-year-old room, for a final play before heading home.

hi


This is where parents pick up messages, organized by child's name. How cute is that?


And a final shot, leaving the school. I'd call the day a success. Jills was happy, I got errands done in record time, and the kid took a 3-hour nap and was racked out hard. I could probably get used to this.