Last Wednesday Baby started pre school and I have no idea how we are at this stage already. She turned two at the end of March and there were a few reasons why we decided that she should start at this age. Primarily, she loves to interact with other children and although she sees her little friends most weeks, pre school would give her even more opportunity to interact with children. I also need more child-free time to work, to reduce the number of evenings I have to work until 1am.
As we have no family close by, it is always Mr Hubby or I that are with Baby, so it was always going to be a bit of a shock for all of us to be apart.
A quick selfie before heading in for her first morning.
Deciding that it was time for her to be looked after, even for a second, by someone else was really difficult. I have felt that as her mum, if I physically can look after her, then I should. Not sure why, mother’s guilt maybe? Anyway, it has become apparent that she will thrive in an environment with other children and I need to cut the apron strings a little and trust that she will be o.k with someone other than her daddy or myself.
She is normally quite confident in new situations, but having never even been left with family before, I didn’t know how it would go. It was quite difficult to hug her and say I would be back later and it felt very odd to walk out of the hall without her, but I did it (I resisted the temptation to run back in and take her home!). I was fully expecting a call after an hour, to say she was upset or that she was tired. No call came and three hours later I arrived to collect her. She spotted me as I peered through the window and gave me a huge smile, shouting ‘mama’ to the lady she was with. Once I was in the hall, she ran over and gave me the biggest hug. It was just so lovely.
She had obviously got on really well with the staff, chatting away and then saying ‘bye bye see you soon’ to them all. They all remarked on how well she had done. At the beginning she had gone to the window a few times saying ‘mama’. At one point she was taken away from the main group, given a little snack and some one to one time, but there were no tears, no tantrums and at the end she was dancing around with a little friend.
So proud of my baby girl.
Here is a very short video I made of her first day.
I am linking up with the following fabulous bloggers and their lovely linkys.
Katie from Mummy Daddy Me for #OrdinaryMoments
Jaime at The Olivers’ Madhouse for #MagicMoments 
Comments 28
Baby did so well! It’s so nerve wracking to leave your child like that. I was the same way with my two boys. The time goes so fast it’s crazy how quickly school age hits!!
My daughter loves pre school and it’s really prepared her for starting infant school in September. She has made so many new friends and gained so much confidence. My youngest is almost 1 and has her first settling in session at nursery tomorrow and I am very nervous so I know how you feel! I’m sure she will be fine but we haven’t been apart very much so far. Pleased Baby settled in well!
Gorgeous post Aby, she did so well! I didn’t realise how close in age she is to my middle girl (who was 3 in Feb)… Preschool is a whole new adventure for them xx
Author
Thank you my lovely. Sadly she got very upset about it today and had to come home early xx
How lovely you must be so proud. Mine are grown up now but I so remember those times you never ever forget lol
Aawww this is the cutest video! I almost cried! Pickle should be going, he’s 2 1/2 but I can’t bring myself to do it yet :/ he’d love it I’m sure. Kaz x x
Author
Ah thank you. I always get emotional watching people home movies xx
Sounds like she did really well – well done! I remember those exact same feelings when I took my eldest to pre-school.
He took to it like a duck to water! x
It sounds like Baby really enjoyed it. I’m also toying with this idea at the moment. Like you we have no outside help and so it is just me and hubby 24/7. He’s two next month and we can only send him to a private nursery if we decide to which of course will cost, one of the reasons I decided not to return to work in the first place. I also feel the guilt like you, but I can see the benefit for him and also for me as it will give me a chance to get my work done at home with the blog, my business that I run and also the house work as well. It’s a tough one, hopefully we will come to a decision in a few months time. Well done and don’t feel guilt, it seems to have been the right choice for your family 🙂 #magicmoments
Author
Ah thank you so much lovely. It was a hard decision, made harder today when I had to leave her there crying and then collect her after an hour 🙁 Fingers crossed for next time x
That is just the cutest video! Leaving L at nursery for the 1st time was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I’d already been able to leave him with family so I was able to take baby steps. I sobbed in the car for ages. Still do sometimes. But he loves it and they are really good at taking pictures for me. Baby will love it and you’ll grow to enjoy your time.
Author
Thanks honey, She did really well, sadly not as well today. Fingers crossed for Wednesday x
Aww it sounds like both you and Baby did so well. I was so nervous when Mads went to nursery and even more nervous when LL went as she went at 11 months, but like you I needed time to work as it was sending me crazy. I am sure she will thrive at nursery and hopefully it will give you a much needed work life balance. I love the video too. x
Author
Thank you huni. Unfortunately today did not go well, she was really upset and I had to collect her after an hour. Hope she is better next time xx
That is THE cutest video!! Well done on your first day baby xx
Author
Thanks so much huni. Unfortunately today did not go well 🙁 xx
I’m so glad it went well Aby. I am on countdown to the last time I do this, when the wee girl starts preschool in September. It’s such a milestone, but one that I have always been so excited about. For them more than me 🙂 Although, I won’t lie, I am looking forward to having some time off! I hope she continues to enjoy it, I am ure she will thrive x #magicmoments
It’s so lovely when they adjust so well. I’m a great believer in letting them get used to being in places independently, and the majority of children absolutely thrive in preschool/nursery situations, if it’s the right one for them. Certainly sounds like it’s just right for her, and she settled in brilliantly. It’ll be great for you to have some more time for things that aren’t easy when she’s around.
aww, this is just THE cutest video! I’m glad she took to it okay and I know you have had a few issues today but that is completely normal and she will settle back down again. Having worked in a preschool and put 4 kids through it, they all have their moments but always settle down eventually and thrive in their new environment. Be strong love, you will both get through it xxx
Author
Thanks so much huni. I didn’t have much footage but wanted to remember our morning xxx
What a big day for you Aby, doesn’t it feel strange at first when you’re not with them 24/7. It sounds like she was so ready for it though. In fact you both rocked it….well done. It’s the start of lots of little adventures for her and a bit of time for you. xxx
Author
Thank you lovely Tor xxx
oh and I LOVE the little video! 🙂 xx
That’s a really cute video! I remember when my two started nursery. It’s such a strange feeling to leave them somewhere and not have them with you! Just read through the comments and sorry to hear it didn’t go well on her first day but it’ll get easier and she’ll become more familiar with the surroundings and the new people! x
That video is gorgeous!! I love how excited she gets when she wakes you with a kiss. So so sweet!! I have read your other comments, I hope next time goes better. She will get used to it and love it xx
Author
Thanks so much lovely. It was awful but she settled and loved it xx
LP has been at preschool for nearly a year and is starting school in September. It’s amazing how quickly they settle in and adjust to their new routine x
Author
Starting school, wow! scary! x