So, today was the big day: Avery began preschool, and Zoe entered the pre-K (“Elangarden”) program. Drop-off for Zoe was easy; her summer camp was spent in the Elangarden classroom with the Elangarden teachers, so she already felt at home. Avery, too, seemed perfectly happy when we entered her new classroom: She helped take off her coat and put her (new) lunchbox in her cubby, and she sat with me and worked on a puzzle for a few minutes. Once I told her that Mommy was going to go, though, she became concerned – eyes big, hands up so I would hold her. And by the time I said my real (and very quick) good-bye, there were tears streaming down her face. (And mine, too.)

Luckily, her tears didn’t last that long. The school secretary reported to me about 45 minutes later that she had stopped crying: They had taken her for a little walk and given her a little snack – and it was the food that ultimately dried up the tears. I haven’t heard anything since (as I type, she should just be settling down for a nap), but here’s hoping the rest of her day was a success. I’m feeling hopeful…

-M