Pages

Julia and Sebastian go to Preschool ...

28 January 2014

Well now that I promised a post about it I'm sitting here staring at the wall and wondering what I should report that anyone would find even remotely interesting? Probably nothing. But that's not my reserved style.

I'll share it all.

We had toyed with the idea of putting Julia in preschool this spring for a multitude of reasons but procrastination is one of my strongest suites and I hadn't done a thing to propel the process forward so I thought maybe we'd just figure it out in the fall. Then Simon overheard a couple of nurses talking about how much they loved their kids' preschool one night when he was on call in December and happened to catch the name of the school and wait - wasn't that the school at the end of our street? Why yes, it was. So he asked and the kind nurses answered (high praise, we wouldn't have to sell our fourth born to afford it, and more high praise) and all of a sudden Simon had set up a tour and we genuinely loved the teachers and the setup and bada bing they were enrolled (Julia two mornings a week and Sebastian one) and wow this wasn't the crazy process I assumed it would be and bada boom ... there we were on the first day.


Would I have been as on board as I was (and am!) if Simon worked less insane hours and I was involved in some sort of playgroup or mom's group or ANY socialization situation at all? I don't know. Probably. Most likely, yes.

I think I sort of half expected the stereotypical knee clinging/sobbing/dramatic goodbye from at LEAST Julia on the first day but no. Sebastian couldn't even be bothered to turn his head to nod a goodbye in my direction but at least Julia tolerated an awkward one-armed hug from me. The next time I dropped her off she permitted a polite handshake. I pretended not to be mildly offended but ... come on, Coolia. Yesterday they made it as far as the parking lot before their teacher offered to walk them in and they thought that was just great and so next time I think I'll just stay in bed and see how they fare because clearly they are ready for their first cubicles in the workforce.

A few highlights ...

... Sebastian has gone from talking in two word grunts ("no, Theo!!!") to talking in incomplete sentences ("no, Theo!! too dangerous!!") and should I give all the credit to the school? Of course not but it's a funny coincidence. At least once a day Simon or I say to the other, "he's actually kind of talking ... it's crazy" because he was content to live in the shadow of Julia's prattle for so long and we'd just gotten used to life with our strong and silent.

... The first day we dropped the kids off was Simon's first day on nights and so he came with me and afterwards we found ourselves with Theo in the Costco parking lot 20 minutes before the warehouse even opened. To kill time we popped down to Best Buy to buy a replacement battery for the minivan key remote. I hate to say I can feel the life jealousy you're experiencing at this very moment permeating through the screen but .... back off.
 
... We drive by the school almost every time we leave the house and after the first week as we were driving by Julia chanted out loud to herself, "the rules are ... no crying, no fighting, and NO pooping in your pants!!" and I'm as good as sold. Preschool forever and ever.

Stuck on You generously sent the budding scholars personalized backpacks and lunch boxes ...


And the day they arrived was years better than Christmas because we all know how Julia feels about anything that can further enable her hoarding habit. When packing her lunch yesterday morning we found her lunchbox stuffed full of all of Sebastian's trucks and her dirty socks filled with her chapstick collection. Sebastian thinks he now has a purse like Julia and Julia loves any excuse to talk about how to spell her name, "J" .... we know we are doing a phenomenal job at home.


Sebastian loves to point out his name and when I ask him what it spells he thinks long and hard and eventually settles on, "me" .... again with the phenom.


They obviously have a little growing to do as far as the backpacks are concerned but they are such great quality and my hope is that the style is timeless enough to last their elementary school years. And that Sebastian doesn't get fed up with trying to spelling his name and request a legal name change at the tender age of 5.

Stuck on You has an amazing inventory of personalized items for kids but I think my favorite favorite would have to be the name puzzles. If I had had one of those as a kid I wouldn't be here with you today because I would've died. Cause of death? Extreme happiness.

Stuck on You is giving away three $20 credits and I'm going to hope really hard that YOU are one of the lucky winners ...

Good luck, thank you for reading AND most especially thank you so much for all your comments and emails over the weekend regarding preschool - you're the best and I'm a lucky blogger. Really. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

133 comments:

  1. So cute! My nephew would love one of those name puzzles!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aww, what a pair of preschool cuties! Glad they're enjoying it :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. So, so cute. Is it bad that I'm already counting down the days until I can get my 17 month old in a preschool? Probably. Anyway, I love the numbers puzzle. I'm not big on personalization simply because I have an OCD quality that would make me just HAVE to get one for every kid and there's no need for that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Preschool is so so so so so^100000000 great. I love our preschool in the Mount and the Mother's Morning Out program for 6 week-olds and up has been a sanity saver - so that I can still work. Whenever y'all move in NC (and if by NC I mean The Mount) M and bebe #2 should go there. (I can dream, right??)

      I might disagree with you on the personalization though. I'm super into monograming bags and book bags. Is that a quintessential Southern mama thing?

      Delete
  4. I like the Junior Messenger Bag!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh yeah, definitely the name puzzles! So cool!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Adorable! I'd get the Junior Messenger bag.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sweet!! And I love that they go together :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the school rules - hilarious!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the puzzles but alas they fall into the 9 letters or less category. Something no one warned me about when naming Christopher. But the mini messenger bag has room for up to 12 letters so let's go with that! Plus it's adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So sweet! I love posts like this!

    ReplyDelete
  11. They are so darn cute!! Name puzzles would make my three-year old go crazy! My two year old is like Sebastian.. "What's your name?" "Umm.. I'm me!"

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the sandwich boxes. :) Perfect size for toddler portions.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can't believe they are the same size! That's great Bash gets to go too. How does he do on the day Julia goes without him? We have been amazed at how much Ben has learned. He sings his Abc's, counts to 12, and learned how to write Ben. Not to mention he's now a paper cutting pro. Anyway.....I bet Bash's speech improvement is due to school. He has to be able to communicate with the other kids.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My favorite item would be the personalized lunchbox. What kid wouldn't love to see their name on the lunchbox? Super cute.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ha! My sister's name is Michaela, and she asked to change it to Sara when she was in kindergarten because everybody else was done with their worksheets by the time she got her name on hers . There were two, possibly three Sarah's in her class. I think she's glad she kept Michaela. :)

    P.S. Those puzzles look pretty amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cute labels! I put both my oldest in preschool it was a total of 12 hours a week and it was heaven!

    ReplyDelete
  17. How cute are those lunch boxes!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I most definitely would get Claire a name puzzle. Gabriel is the golden child who knew everything early and Claire? Well, she doesn't even know a "C" yet so…. you are clearly doing more at home than I am. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. How cute are they with their big backpacks! They look much too grownup. I'd love a set of the name blocks for my little boy.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm not crazy for personalized items, but for the one too many birthday parties we attend - the puzzles or apron or painting smock might just be perfect. I do love the backpacks, but for the price they better be lasting through all of elementary.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The last time you had one of these, I got the library tote bag with just our last name on it. I have been really impressed with the quality of it, and my daughter LOVED getting to help pick colors/the picture that went on it. Thanks for the heads up on a great company!

    ReplyDelete
  22. So cute! I love the lunchboxes and personalizd towels.

    ReplyDelete
  23. my kid definitely needs a lunchbox!

    ReplyDelete
  24. the puzzles and lunch boxes are pretty sweet

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like the name puzzle and backpacks.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have mom guilt sending my lo to school and mom guilt when lo is home. Love the personalized gear.

    ReplyDelete
  27. NAME PUZZLE...cuz hello, who's name is on there? Moi. Actually, it's "Audrey" and "Harry" and I happen to know a little girl named Audrey Harry. How poifect.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Personalized water bottles or towels would be wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  29. The personalized water bottles are pretty darn cute.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love personalized stuff. I'm obsessed with my son's name so it's very fitting.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the personalized name labels!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Name puzzle for a sweet baby! Your two looks so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm really loving those name puzzles!

    ReplyDelete
  34. How cute are the name puzzles?! I think that would have to be my favorite. I do love the personalized lunch boxes though.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sebastian looks like he's 15! And I want Julia's skirt. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love the little bags and suitcases!

    ReplyDelete
  37. So funny. Life with preschoolers! I'm right there with you!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love the storage boxes- I feel like we never have enough!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Super cute! I love the beach towels and the water bottles. Puzzles are cute too...makes me wish we named our son "Theodore" or "Edward" instead of just Ted, so it would occupy him longer. Although...Ted should whiz right through kindergarten...T-E-D. Done! 😉

    ReplyDelete
  40. Preschool is the best! I have two girls in 2nd and 3rd grade and one in Head Start four days a week. We are a house full of girls and love backpacks!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. So cute! I Sebastian potty trained? Is that a requirement for that preschool? My little guy is barely 2, but I think he would LOVE the socialization a preschool could give him.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Such cute stuff. This would make for fun gifts. Love this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love their puzzles! I adore reading your blog and following you on IG. It makes my days as a SAHM that much better. My 3 year old starts preschool next week. So excited!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love the drink bottles and towels!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love the personalized "tupperware" containers -- would be so great for school lunches! Easy to send "creative" foods without worrying about the mess!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I think I would get a tote bag because we're not quite Preschool age yet - unless they do Preschool at 20 months, in which case, sign us up!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would love to get a backpack for my little Goddaughter!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Grace, they are too cute! Your preschool sounds perfect :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. oh gosh I just love them so much!

    Also, I must tell you that I've got nearly all of my friends hooked on you and the Camp...only the creepiest of us (so...everyone...) have been discussing potential name suggestions for Camper #4. Lemme know if y'all are interested ;)

    Should I win (though I neeeever do) I'd probably invest in some personalized pencils for our Camper Fan Club...sans creep, I know.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lunch box, or name puzzle ~ hard call

    ReplyDelete
  51. I really like their backpacks and lunch boxes! Super cute and classic.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I love the personalized name puzzles!

    ReplyDelete
  53. For some reason this post makes me super excited for my little one to be able to talk and interact with me/the world!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  55. What an adorable site with so many cute ideas! Love the lunchbox notes! :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a big milestone. Congrats. They look ADORABLE, btw!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your littles are just too precious for words. I love that you sent them to preschool. As a teacher, it does so, so, so much even though we know awesome parents like you do fun things at home too. There is just nothing like the peer interaction and the understanding that will come from it! Plus, you've got to let them show off those awesome backpacks.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am loving the lunch bags like J & S!

    ReplyDelete
  59. LOVE those cute name puzzles!

    ReplyDelete
  60. love the back packs and lunch boxes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. You're right- those name puzzles are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I love the backpacks and name puzzles! So glad that you found a preschool you love. Mama's need a little break.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Obviously the backpackers are classic, but I kind of like the little library bags. You give me hope for settling my 4 year old into a preschool next year... he's been talking about going for over a year, and we actually toured one we liked a few months ago, and then all of a sudden we got a job offer and moved from MD to KS! (And will move again within KS in a few months. Sigh.) He's probably super confused. Anyway... here's to preschool!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow, they have so much to choose from! I would have to say the backpacks are my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Definitely would get a name puzzle for Carson!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Omg preschool!! That has to be a relief having a bit of time away from all three kiddos. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. hoping to win! puzzle looks so neat!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Well you can't go past a good personalised drink bottle. Too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  69. My girl would LOVE a number puzzle!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Can I just say that being named Liesl and never finding my name on ANYTHING, I would totally buy anything with my name. But probably a puzzle because I'm 27 and I do what I want.

    ReplyDelete
  71. So happy for the kids. They are going to really blossom in preschool. Even with the larger child-to-adult ratio, since the teachers aren't typing away on their phones/computers all day or wasting time taking & erasing gratuitous selfies, preschool will be the longest period of sustained adult attention/interaction they have ever received.

    ReplyDelete
  72. What wonderful things!! Love the puzzles too!

    ReplyDelete
  73. i love the classic name labels!

    ReplyDelete
  74. I have to agree with the Personalised Wooden Puzzles!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Wow, the Stuck on You stuff is so cute I can't stand it...as are the kiddos!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I'm adopting those school rules for the home!

    Elise Layton

    ReplyDelete
  77. Ooh I've definitely got to go with the puzzles! I want one for my own name too!

    Elise Layton

    ReplyDelete
  78. I like the personalized Everywhere Friend!

    ReplyDelete
  79. So cute! Personalized Everything. Yes.

    ReplyDelete
  80. So glad it's going well!! And that you get a break - I can only imagine the heaven you felt going to Costco with only one semi-immobile child!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Love the name puzzle. I had one growing up, so I think it's only fair that I pass it on. :)

    ReplyDelete
  82. I'm also a big fan of the name puzzle - so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Love all the personalized stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I'm glad yall are loving preschool as much as we are!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Hey Grace! Love reading your blog as always. One of these days I want people to send me stuff! What a neat thing! Anyway, if you get a chance and can pop over to my blog sometime, as a new blogger - and not very good, I would love your feedback. Thanks a million. P.S. Can't wait to see the stories that come out from your kids being in school! Priceless!

    www.thissundaysbest.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Love the personalize bags. Preschool rocks.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I have twin 2 years olds that I've been thinking about enrolling in a preschool this fall so I would love to keep hearing more about your experience! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  88. the silicone placemat is really cute and would be awesome at meal times, even for our 4 year old!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I would love a name puzzle for my 3-year-old!

    ReplyDelete
  90. I love the personalized lunchbox and backpack and they would be perfect for my little guy, who is moving from the infant room up to the toddler room (at preschool) in March!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Loving the name puzzle - such a sweet gift!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Would love the backpack for my kindergartner!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Love the name and number puzzles!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Everything is so cute!!!! The name puzzle would be awesome for my Maura!

    ReplyDelete
  95. Love the name puzzles the best for sure!!

    ReplyDelete
  96. What happened? Your blog page "flipped" sides!

    ReplyDelete
  97. The junior backpacks are too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  98. So glad they are loving preschool! (personalized backpack for the win, please!)

    ReplyDelete
  99. Oh the spotted pencils are too cute and I love the nighties. The puzzles are so cute also. So many cute cute products.

    ReplyDelete
  100. 1. I love that the two oldest Patton offspring are loving preschool!
    2. As a speech pathologist I got so excited when you said that Bash has started speaking in partial sentences (yes I'm a nerd)
    3. I love the new blog design, it's beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  101. -The single storage hamper! And the name puzzle.
    -Love the new site design too!
    -Umm yes on preschool. My husband and I have talked it over for our little (at the tender age of 5 months) and we think it will be amazing when she gets a bit older for some socialization (she's the only for the moment) and (you better believe it) some head-clearing time for the mama bear parental unit.

    ReplyDelete
  102. They had me at "Stationary". I want it all. All of it. Especially the personalized journal. And the pencils. And the sketchbook. And the pencil cases.

    ReplyDelete
  103. So many things I would like to buy!

    ReplyDelete
  104. So many things I would like to buy!

    ReplyDelete
  105. I would love to get one of those name puzzles for my daughter. What a fun way to learn to spell her name!

    ReplyDelete
  106. I would love to get one of those name puzzles for my daughter. What a fun way to learn to spell her name!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I would love to get one of those name puzzles for my daughter. What a fun way to learn to spell her name!

    ReplyDelete
  108. I would love to get one of those name puzzles for my daughter. What a fun way to learn to spell her name!

    ReplyDelete
  109. I would love to get one of those name puzzles for my daughter. What a fun way to learn to spell her name!

    ReplyDelete
  110. Um are you kidding me right now? How am I supposed to choose? My kids would FAH-lip over the water bottles, and I would love to get my daughter a name puzzle. My son (4) has been spelling his name since he emerged from the womb, but my daughter (almost 3) is a bit more...shall we say...lax on the caring about silly things such as letters and proper reciting of the alphabet.

    ReplyDelete
  111. party straw flags are pretty neat, so are the pencils and pencil cases.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Those name puzzles are awesome! And definitely a must have!

    ReplyDelete
  113. I know my son would love the navy backpack with either the dinosaur or tractor label. He's going to Pre-K in the fall! {sob}.

    ReplyDelete
  114. I love the name labels and I know that my little Kaya would absolutely adore the name puzzle!

    ReplyDelete
  115. They're too much!

    Although not a mom (yet), I recently worked at a great preschool that convinced my anti-preschool feelings otherwise. It's seriously the most magical thing for busy moms and of course great for the kids, too :)

    ReplyDelete
  116. Adorable! Would go for the beach towels or lunch boxes. My 4 would love any of this stuff to death, for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  117. FAVE is the art smock, hands down! http://www.stuckonyou.com/art-smocks.html
    I choose Navy blue and I would get one for each nephew. :D

    ReplyDelete
  118. The backpacks are big but look timeless

    ReplyDelete

 

Camp Patton © All rights reserved · Theme by Blog Milk · Blogger