Wednesday, 09 September 2009

• Preschool blues

  First, for the benefit of those that might be new to my blog, I feel the need to give some backstory lest you think I am even more crazy than I seem. For those that know my life, skip this next paragraph.

  My youngest daughter Emily is two and half. She was born with Down syndrome as well as a congenital heart defect. Since she was three months old she has been working with a teacher to help her stay on track with others her age. At the age of 18 months she was eligible to attend a preschool designed for children with disabilities. Her teacher until that time had been coming to our home twice a month. M, her teacher was the same person that would be teaching her at the preschool. We decided to give it a try and she began attending. Well, Emily was totally not ready for the school setting and we ended it after only two sessions. M continued to come to our home instead. Over the last six months Emily has shown great growth as far as being with different people so we decided to give the school setting another go.

  Today was Emily's first day back at preschool. I am having SERIOUS issues that I was totally not prepared to have. First, I have to wake her up at 6:30 to get her ready for school. She isn't scheduled until 8, but I have to drop the other kids off at their respective schools first. So, this morning I woke her up and attempted to get her ready. She was so tired and I felt like the worlds worst mommy.

  Between getting her up and dressed (including her new shoes that she never wears except for school) and trying to help Alyssa with her hair, making sure the kids packed their lunches, and overall making sure five kids were ready to be out the door by 7:15; I was beyond stressed. Thankfully, Liz is a quick dresser and she kind of took over with Emily while I finished with everything else. It certainly didn't help that Matt didn't get home until 1 am and had fallen asleep on the couch. Apparently some new equipment was being put in and it was being less than cooperative. I moved him to the bed for some much needed sleep and continued my mad dash.

  Em refused to allow me to put her hair up so she went to school with it down in her face as she prefers. Liz was still with us, so I left her with Caleb and ran Emily into the class. This really shouldn't be this difficult. I know that early intervention is paramount in Emily having a head start, but I absolutely hated leaving her there. She seemed to be doing okay, but I was a basketcase. M brought out the balls (which Emily loves) and when I left they were blowing bubbles as well.

  We came home for a few minutes since we still had almost an hour before Liz was scheduled for school and it just felt weird. I kept thinking I had forgotten Emily somewhere. I am sitting here now with Caleb feeling lost and out of sorts. I am sure it will get easier with time, but for now this simply stinks. I can only imagine how difficult it will be next year when Caleb starts Kindergarten. With Emily transferring to the older classroom in March, she will be attending up to four days a week. Four days without any child in this house will seem like madness. I just might need therapy.

  I pick her up at 10:30 and then we are headed to Wal-Mart for a toy. Mommy has to do something to make herself feel better and spoiling Caleb and Emily always does the trick. Just kidding, I actually have to go buy more school supplies. Whitney and Jake brought home their lists yesterday. I swear I am going to go broke trying to keep these kids in supplies.

  I am off to shed a few tears and hug Emily's blankie. I so miss my beauty queen.

  • 9:14 AM
  • 28 Views
  • 14 eProps
  • 7 Comments