Day 4

"Alice is a Camel"

Hannah was so excited to go to the 'instrument room' today, as she calls it, or music class. She likes her teacher. Everyone in the class gets to play different instruments as they learn a song. Today Hannah played the tambourine. They learned a song about a camel with 5 humps and her name was Alice. I joked with Hannah, because she couldn't remember how the song went, and asked her if it was like "Alice In Wonderland". She was very serious in responding, "No Mommy! Alice is a camel!"

Today wasn't all pleasant for Hannah. Mrs. Schmidt and Hannah both told me that she cried several times in the classroom- all without an explanation and without knowing why. I believe Hannah is having a hard time communicating with the children in her class. I feel she is so advanced in conversation- and she doesn't understand why other kids don't talk to her, or respond when she talks to them. She feels very comfortable with her two teachers- and is interacting with them mostly throughout the day.

Hannah's new job this week is to dress the weather frog. They have a large cut out frog on the wall that they get to dress each day according to how the weather is outside. Hannah thinks it's funny that they don't put pajamas on the frog for the night when she leaves- that they undress him and leave him naked.

Other things Hannah talked about today:

• Grace was back in class after being out last Thursday
• Keejuck hurt himself with his backpack
• Ate cheese and cracker sticks for a snack
• Mrs. McGowan threw Hannah's snack away before she finished
• Got to pick out a stamp to use (chose a spider)
• Played with dots (i think it's like the bingo markers that make dots)
• Slide outside was wet- couldn't play on that
• Went to the library- getting conflicting information about what they did there- have heard about reading a book with a mouse, that goes to school; and about Zoe from Sesame Street- not entirely sure

Day 3

"Tears in the gym"

Today started out differently than most. Hannah didn't want to take off her pajamas and she didn't want to put on her uniform. After a slight battle we were dressed and off to school.

Hannah was first in class today and was warmly welcomed by her teachers. She has her morning routine down pat- hanging up her back pack, putting her name in the basket, and going to the bathroom.

I talked to Alyssia's mom today, and we shared a few funny stories about our girls and what they have been coming home and talking about. Alyssa has been talking about Hannah, because it's her cousin's name, and it's the only one she can remember from the class.

Daddy was off work today, so Hannah was very excited to find out that he'd be picking her up.

Daddy anxiously arrived to school 15 minutes early and waited outside for Hannah. Surprisingly, Hannah and Mrs. Schmidt walked outside early, before the bells. Daddy noticed that Hannah was crying. Mrs. Schmidt told Daddy that the class went to the big gym today. Hannah seemed to be overwhelmed and started crying. I understand this perfectly. I know when Hannah is introduced to new places and things, she becomes quite leery and scared. Mrs. McGowan brought Hannah back to the classroom and read her a book. For some reason this didn't calm her down, and that's when they noticed that Daddy was already at school.

As soon as Hannah was in the car- she was great. She told Daddy all about playing with Alyssia and having a good day. Here are some other things Hannah told us about today:

• Painted people (on picture above)
• Played with play dough.. tried to make a duck, but the neck was too long
• Last day as the 'door holder'
• Read a book "Kiss the Hand"
• Ate orange gummies for a snack
• Went to gym & cried (that's how she put it)

This is one of those days, that I hated not being there for Hannah. I talked to her tonight about why she cried, and she said she was scared. We talked about how she can tell her teachers when she's scared.

Day 2

"The Wheels on the Bus"

We started the day counting school buses as we drove to school- Hannah spotted 7.

When I picked her up, Hannah couldn't wait to show me that she had a project in her back pack. When we pulled away from school, she realized it was there, and almost dove over the seat to show me.

It's darling- Hannah's first time finger painting was great- as she colored in the bus yellow. The teachers cut out the windows, door and wheels- but Hannah tells us that she glued them on all by herself- quite impressive if you ask me.

As for the 'newness' of the day- the class went to 'music'- or as Hannah calls, the "instrument room". She met a new teacher, that spends 20 minutes with them a week. She was delighted to tell us that she played the triangle and sang "Wheels on the Bus"... quite fitting with her picture.

At dinner- she was very dramatic when we said the prayer- she said that they practiced the cross- or the sign of the cross. She wanted me to say the father and mary. (Our Father and Hail Mary) - at the start of the school day, the director, says these prayers over the intercom, and they talked about them today as a class. Hannah was impressed that I knew the words.

She also talked about dressing the weather frog today. They have a frog on the wall that the kids dress accordingly with the weather and seasons. Something must have been funny about what Mrs. Schmidt may have said or done- something about sleeping, jammies and forgetting- not exactly clear on what went on, however Hannah found it hysterical.

Other highlights include:

• Ignacio's Birthday- blue icing cookies with rainbow sprinkles for a snack
• Made a butterfly with green play dough
• Played with the doll house- with another boy
• Was the door holder again today
• Music class, sang the "Wheels on the Bus" and played the 'triangle'
• Played on the slide outside
• Practiced the 'sign of the cross'
• Read another Winnie the Pooh book at reading time

I feel very lucky that Hannah is in a safe and nurturing environment. I am so excited about the new things she is experiencing and being introduced to!

Day 1

"I love you Mommy"

12:25am... I am wide awake tossing and turning.
2:48am... Awake again...humph.
5:30am...Alarm going off... is it really here?
7:00am...Go into Hannah's room... she asks, "Mommy, am I going to school today?"
7:05am...Daddy is awake
7:10am...Breakfast with Mommy in the kitchen
7:20am...In the bathroom washing up
7:25am....Uniform on
7:30am...Back in the kitchen doing hair
7:35am...Starting to take pictures
7:45am...In the car on the way
8:05am...Arrive at school

Hannah was quiet in the car this morning, but I was as well. She was looking for school buses and fountains like she did last week, and was excited when she'd see one. The ride to school, surprisingly seemed like the longest ride of my life. So many things were going through my mind and so many memories of the past 3 years were flooding back.
Hannah asked me in the car if I was going to go home while she was at school, so I think she was prepared for me to leave her, for the first time. We walked into the school and down the hall. Lots of parents and children were around, Hannah observing each of them.

When we walked into the classroom, Hannah was immediately greeted by Mrs. Schmidt and Mrs. McGowan. Hannah couldn't wait to show them her princess "pack-pack". She hung it up on her hook and put on her name tag. We got our picture taken.

She walked right over to the table where other children were already playing with green play dough and she dug right in. This was my chance- if I didn't leave now, I wasn't leaving. I gave her a hug and a kiss, and told her I'd be back to pick her up. She said, "okay Mommy" I turned around and walked out with tears streaming down my face. I got that look from other mothers... the I understand look. I sat in my car for a while before pulling out- wondering what she was doing, who she was talking to, what she was playing with, what she was thinking.

The morning, thankfully went quickly, and I was right back to pick her up at 11:15. As instructed, I had to wait outside for Mrs. Schmidt to walk Hannah outside to be picked up. Hannah walked right out and ran up to me- it was the best! Mrs. Schmidt said she did great- of course I had a million questions!! We said goodbye and got in the car. As I was strapping in, Hannah looked at me and said, "I love you Mommy." Talk about melting my heart.

We've been trying to ask as many questions to find out about Hannah's day. So far, she's told us the following:

• Made a green foot with 'baby' toes out of play dough
• Was the 'door holder' for her job today
• Had rainbow goldfish crackers for a snack
• Sang the song "Knick-nack-paddy-wack"
• Went outside, and loved the slide
• Alyssa had a Tinkerbell pack-pack
• Finger painted a school bus, she will bring home on Wednesday, because it's drying
• A boy told her she was sitting in his chair, so she got up and sat on the floor
• Story time book was Winnie the Pooh

My stomach still hurts. Is this how it will be until she graduates college??

Meet the Teacher

How do I trust that the right decision has been made?

This morning we woke up to a new day and a new beginning.

We went to meet Hannah's teacher at Gateway Academy.

In January of this year, Tyler and I began our search for the perfect place for Hannah to start her education. We chose Gateway Academy because of it's environment, class size, focus on student acceleration, and track record of excellence.

It was a crazy morning. Hannah didn't want to eat breakfast, she only wanted to put on her dress. I had to fill my car up with gas (unplanned), Tyler and I had to share the bathroom, and we had to pick up Nana, all before 8:00 am. Finally on the road- all Hannah wanted to find out of her window in the backseat, were school buses and fountains; that made for an interesting ride.

We made it. Right on time. 8:25. Perfect timing.. not late and not too early.

We walked into a bright classroom with 2 teachers, Mrs. Schmidt & Mrs. McGowan (the ratio is 1:4)

We learned about the daily schedule, activities, projects and overall experience while the children played and were able to explore the classroom.

Hannah started in the kitchen play set with a girl named Grace; then migrated to a group of boys once she noticed they were playing with jungle animals. She was trying to explain to them that mommy and baby animals needed to go together... of course they didn't get it.

Now for the problem of the day...Hannah was originally scheduled to attend Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and we learned today that those dates have now changed to Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Of course, that put me into an uproar.... email already sent to the director.

Hannah didn't want to leave.

Ahh.. the best reassurance for me that Monday may not be so bad.

My Girl

I have always wondered how my child would become herself.

She's been a part of me since before I knew her name or saw her face. I dreamed of her before ever knowing her. I imagined how life would be with her. I imagined how life would be without her. Now, I can't imagine my life any different than it has been.

On September 14, 2005, I knew she existed. On May 16, 2006, I heard her voice. I have seen her struggles, I have seen her joys. I have watched her learn to move and talk. I have watched her sleep and I have witnessed her tears. I have been there for every moment.
I love her laughter, it's contagious. I love her face, it glows with happiness.
My daughter is someone. She inspires me to be a better someone. Hannah Daly makes me who I am. Hannah has brought happiness and love to my heart.

On August 20, 2009, I am learning to let go, my girl is growing up.

Ballerina Girl

"Ballerina Girl... you are so lovely."

I remember dance classes from when I was 3 years old. I loved dancing. I was always a 'princess' at heart, just like Hannah. I remember the way ballet shoes fit me, and the smell of the studio. I danced until I was 13. I recall recitals, rehearsals and daily classes that were quite overwhelming at times. I have wonderful memories of dancing at home and putting on shows for my father when he'd come home from work. One day, he brought home a Lionel Richie cassette, with Ballerina Girl. I would dance to that song for hours.

Hannah took dance classes for 5 weeks at the YMCA. It was a wonderful experience. Nana thought this class might be a great introduction. She was in a class of 5 children, that was taught by 2 high school seniors. Hannah would comment on how fast the girls would talk.

Of course, half the fun of dance class, was going to Nana's on Saturday morning to put on her tights, leotard and get her hair perfect. She's such a girly girl. Where Hannah lacked rhythm and coordination, she made up for with smiles and genuine emotion. She paid attention to her teachers, followed directions and loved every minute of it.

The best thing about dance class was that it allowed Hannah to interact with other children. She would study what they were wearing, listen to what they'd say and observe what they were doing- literally. She'd just stare at them.

It was such a joy to watch Hannah as she explored new things, and be involved in something that she liked.

Fish in Water

"Is it Monday?"

Waking up each morning, for the entire summer, Hannah would ask, "Is it Monday?" Hannah knew that swim class was on Monday's.

In preperation for school; we needed to get Hannah aquainted with other children. The weekend playdates were nice, however, we wanted her to experince socialization in a structured environment.

Hannah joined a class of 3 other children for 10 weeks. During that time, she learned about taking turns, following directions and communicating with other children... and to SWIM!