First Day of School!

Today was a big day for Harper!  She started school!  Four mornings a week, Harper is attending the Early Childhood Intervention program in the Kearney school district.  

A bus picks her up at the babysitter's house and takes her to school and back.  

I was more than a bit nervous about sending my just turned 3 year old on a bus to a school where she wouldn't know anyone.  Harper is delayed in speech, so it was hard to know if she understood when I told her about going to school.  I've been a nervous wreck since February 12 when I learned she would be starting school today.  I knew she needed this program to catch up to her peers, but I was still apprehensive about sending her.  I was afraid she would be confused and scared.  As the days counted down, little things kept happening that reassured me everything would be OK.  When I called the bus barn to inquire about bus times, the lady who answered the phone knew me.  It was Tisa, Ashley's old bus driver who we have known for years.  Last night, I learned that Harper's teacher is the daughter of an old friend.  Another friend reached out to let me know her niece and nephew attend this school.  I felt so much better knowing Harper would be surrounded by people we trust.  Harper had some favorites for breakfast -- toaster strudel and eggs.

She got her backpack ready.

She posed by the fireplace for the obligatory first day of school photos.

Harper watched for the bus. She wore her backpack like a big kid.

Our wonderful babysitter sent lots of pictures so I wouldn't be worried!

She didn't cry when the sitter strapped her into the bus seat.

Her teacher was kind enough to email an update after Harper had been there for a couple of hours.  She reported that Harper was a little hesitant about getting off the bus, but was fine once she was in the classroom.  She learned about the letter Q, got to paint with Q-tips, listened to Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and ate a brownie with milk at snack time.  Her favorite part of the day was play time.  No surprises there!

School must have worn her out -- she took a 2 & 1/2 hour nap.

We are so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people to help us raise our child.