Preschool

Sam and I started attending a co-op preschool three weeks ago and he is just loving it. He knew Teacher Mary from some outdoor classes we took, but he is having a great time. He loves all the new toys, bicycles, legos and the music. He is attentive in circle time, though he was resistive about standing up or moving during the songs (many have motions to go with the words). Yet he sings the songs at home so I know he enjoys them. Perhaps he's just observing right now and when he's fully memorized the motions he'll break them out. All the mothers rotate among stations (art room, preverbal games, premath games, playdough, legos, water table, wheeled toys, kids snack, etc) and Sam often accompanies me for at least half of free play time. However, Wednesday was my first day "off" (you work two days, get one day without an assigned station) and he proudly announced that he'd gone to preschool alone for the first time. He's genuinely happy to go each day and while he won't recount how his day went, every once in a while he'll announce something he learned or did in Teacher Mary's preschool. We're going to have a fun year!

Big brother kiss

When Sam was little, I learned early to master the art of the Healing Mother's Kiss. It amazed me the power this little being attributed to my touch, but I will whole-heartedly admit that I milked it when I could. After a time, my kiss was often replaced by his Green Blankie and more recently by a short pout about hurting himself before continuing to play. A short while ago Andrew hurt his fingers in the sliding glass doors of the TV cabinet. He crunched his finger pretty well and I could see the shock and concern in his face when my Healing Mother's Kiss didn't immediately take away all the pain. I knew I needed to come up with something else. So I asked him if he wanted a Big Brother Kiss. His eyes grew wide immediately and he vigorously nodded his head. I told Sam that Andrew wanted a kiss from him to feel better and I could have sworn I saw Sam's chest immediately puff with pride. Indeed, the Big Brother Kiss had healing powers as well and has since often been called upon (as has the Little Brother Kiss, it's nascent partner). Just today Andrew stubbed a toe in the bathroom, cried a bit, and went straight out to his brother with his foot uplifted. Sam listened as Andrew asked for a kiss and inquired where said kiss should be placed. Andrew pointed to his foot and Sam bent down and kissed the owie with pride. What a great big brother! I'm very proud. :)