Watch Out Preschool - Gemma is on the Premises!

Can it be? Gemma is starting preschool. She is attending the same amazing cooperative nursery school that Edie attended. We love the school and made wonderful friends with other families when Edie was at the school. Many of those families have younger children at the school - in the 4-year-old class - so our challenge with Gemma will be to help her see that she is 3 years old, not 4 years old, not 5, 6, or 7 years old... She certainly is ready to be in preschool!

Edie is in 2nd grade!

Edie started school today in second grade. She was happy to learn that she was assigned to the teacher she had hoped for (Mr. Lacatell). Remember when Edie was terrified to have a male teacher or instructor? Well, that has certainly changed! Initially, Edie was somewhat devastated to learn that none of her close friends (Chloe, Katherine, or Amelia) were in her class. In fact, she barely knows any of the girls in her class. I sat down with her and told her that I know she will make new friends easily, and that her old friends aren't going anywhere! I also told her that I think she is a survivor - that in her short life she has had to make some unbelievably difficult transitions, and that she has come through these strong and happy. I think that meant a lot to her. Edie has a tendency to avoid taking risks and to underestimate her abilities. I think most people who meet Edie know that she is a very capable little girl, and I am trying to help her have confidence in herself. As a side note, when her dear friend Chloe called a week ago in absolute tears over the class assignment list, Edie was able to comfort her - using much of the same language I had used with her the day before. Ah... the social life of a second grader is a force to be reckoned with!