"School Kids"...

So here we sit in the middle of week four of preschool. Each kid has rolled into the school year very successfully. I was kind of surprised how nervous I was for them both during week one. The anxious emotions came over me unexpected, especially for Lucy.
Not surprisingly, Tommy has taken to school like he's been going for years. He almost always is the first kid to bound into class once Ms. Gloria opens her door for the day. He barely has time to give me a final kiss and hug before running to his favorite teacher and jumping on his little push truck. He never looks back for me. I've noticed things when he doesn't realize I am listening...new hand motions to "Twinkle, Twinkle"....the "Clean Up" song under he breath as he picks up toys...pointing at pictures he has drawn and talking about his artwork.
Today I chaperoned his field trip to the library. He sang and did the hand motions like he owned the joint. He hugged school buddies spontaneously and said, "hello" to teachers - shocked that they lived outside of school and were at HIS library?! Always confident, always secure, very animated and full of excitement in his eyes.
What will you do with your life, my smart, confident little boy? For now, one thing is for sure...the boy can really work over a toddler preschool class. :)
Lucy started school pretty easily, as well. A little apprehension on the first couple of days (definately wanted to have that final, reassuring hug before entering the classroom). However, she would quickly jump into class herself, ready to choose an attendance sticker and say hello to familiar faces.
The first week or so of school, she didn't say too much about it, nor did much paperwork or artwork come home. It was a bit of a mystery. I knew she liked it (she definately lets me know is she doesn't like something!), but there wasn't much discussion about it, even when probed.
Truth be told, after hearing my friends with children in "Young 5's" talking about homework until 8:30 p.m. and evening art projects, I was even thinking, is she going to be ready to hang with these kids next year?
Well, those worries have definately faded over the past two weeks. Suddenly, something has clicked and she is back to an obsession with spelling and letter-writing. She has ebbed and flowed with her interest in letters, but she is definately into it at the moment. Every day, she enjoys spending some time with a notepad and pen, writing letters and asking me how to spell things. We sound letters out and spell words she requests. Two nights ago, she surprised Matt and I with a sheet of paper that read, "Tommy." She just decided to write her brother's name all by herself! She's been telling me about raising your hand to talk, washing your hands to the "A,B, C's" and gets excited about her manners chart being completed. She says she loves the kitchen area at school and loves to play with Catherine and Allie. She is very independent - hanging up her backpack and her coat without being told, and picking up her items at the end of the day. So off she goes...and well-prepared she will be.
Why do I let myself fall into that trap of worrying a little? I guess we all just want our kids to do well and be ready for "the next thing." I have a feeling this 4-year-preschool school year will be a HUGE one for Luce...definately a year in which many things are clicking and moving forward for her.
I am truly excited for them both and the new developments this year will bring. I've said it before but I have to say it again, I LOVE the 2 and 4-year-old phase of life right now!
As for me, when I walk through the grocery store child-free on a Monday morning, it still doesn't feel quite right. But I do love luxuriating with a latte and a girlfriend for a while. In the end, I think we will all adjust to this just fine.