Back-to-school

Yesterday I sent Baby Sunshine off to nursery.  He was not super-excited, nor was he upset and crying.  He just accepted that he was going.  He had remembered most of his teacher's names (Ms. Lindsay, Ms. Jean, Ms. Sandy)...with a little help from Magoo.  We packed his lunch, and off he went.  There were so many new faces, and it was a treat to see two of the moms that helped pioneer the school when it opened last January.

Rachel Riley shirt from Marylebone High Street
(so a souvenir from our summer holiday)

At pick-up time, Sunshine's sisters came along, and it was sweet to hear him come running 'Mommy! Mommy!' and hug my knees with a fake whimper.  He obviously heard that a lot in the classroom, and thought that was protocol for when your mommy picks you up from school.  Then he said 'Let's go home!' and proceeded to usher us out of the classroom at top speed.

He had a great nap in the afternoon, and little A and I went over to Aunty Yang's, where we made DUMPLINGS (her favourite).  She was also very excited to get to spend some time with Fidelia, who I think she believes to be a really TALL kid.  We had a lot of fun, improved our dumpling folding skills, and nobody was more surprised than I to see little A practically polish off an entire plate of dumplings!  That was little A's special BACK-TO-SCHOOL activity.

The 'kids' rolling the dough

The eating machine...she finished that whole plate!

Peter and I attended a parent information evening at the school, where we got an overview of the IBPYP program, and what a school day will look like for little A.  I like that they incorporate a FRUIT SNACK break at 9 am (only fruits), and then have regular snack and lunch too.  I also like knowing what times these events take place.  Despite the tight quarters, they were better organized than GEMS AA, and that was one of my reasons for switching schools.

Taking little A to school this morning was bitter-sweet.  She was excited to wear her new uniform (she loves the gingham dress), and got herself ready on time.  The drop-off was difficult though, as she was 'nervous' and did cry...and that always makes me sad.  I wish that the school would allow little ones to start at 1/2 days...especially here, where 50% of the children (or more) in every class will be new to the school and/or country.

A new student to embrace at RIS

I was a little underwhelmed by Little A's teacher.  I was not pleased that she didn't introduce herself at the door, and greet the children (which is Teacher 101).  I had to ask for name-tags, which were lying on a table, and had to settle her in myself.  I managed to pull-over the aide (Ms. Rose), when I had to go, but really...there was a lot of 'me' happening there.  Based on how she feels at the end of the day, I am considering changing her to another class (if possible).

I met a lovely lady named Julia in the library (who I have always seen around and even spoken to in the past).  I am looking forward to getting to know her better over the year, as she seems to be a really gentle and kind person.

I opted to let Sunshine be late for nursery.  Despite the fact that he protested repeatedly that he did not want to go, he motored up the stairs, and opened the school door for himself.  Then he made his way up the inside stairs, and had already rounded the corner out of view, before the receptionist, Iva, managed to catch up to him.  Not even a backwards glance.

I met Asima, the newest coordinator of Redwood, and we were both very happy to meet a fellow Canadian.  She has only been here a little over a year, and has an 18 month old baby.  I look forward to getting to know her better, though she is a 'working mom' and in my experience, that doesn't leave a lot of time for morning visits.

In one hour I am looking forward to heading off to pick up little A and see how her day has been.  I hope that she will be smiling, and will have found a place for herself.  It is a big adjustment--not just a change in grade, but a change of schools also.

Magoo has found lots of ways to keep herself busy.  This morning she did a little painting, and as I type, she and Sunshine are busy playing with Little A's 'Littlest Pet-shop' set, something they are NOT allowed to do while their big sister is around.  Magoo will be starting Music Monkeys on Thursday mornings, in an effort to keep her stimulated and active.  I felt like last year, she got shafted a lot, and spent too much time sitting around the house, while Malou cleaned around her.