First Day of School....and Freaky Fingers

Today was Kalissa's first day of preschool! As much as it hurt my heart to change her from Miss Nettie's daycare, we knew this was the best decision for multiple reasons. After researching several schools, we decided on a Christian Preschool very close to home. I was a little nervous about this day but we were preparing her for the move by telling her, "You're going to go to school like a big girl!" and she was very excited about being a big girl. Daddy took off work so he could be present for the big day. Of course my nervousness was all for nothing because as soon as she entered the school, it was game on! She greeted everyone with "hello" or "good morning" and she couldn't wait to play with the toys.

An uncomfortable moment occurred with a mother who was there with her son. We exchanged pleasantries and she told me that her son was turning 2 next month and asked how old Kalissa is. I told her that she'd be 2 1/2 at the end of January. She looked surprised and said, "Really? She's tall!" I responded nonchalantly that yes, she's a bit above average. Then she said, "and she talks!" Again, I casually said, yes she does. And then, as if on cue, Kalissa goes into a full on conversation about the boy fireman and girl doctor toys. I glanced at the other mom who was looking at Kali as if she had two heads. I cut Kali short and we went to her class. I've learned to remove myself from these "kid comparisons" that some moms love to do. It's not a contest people! Children develop at different rates and it doesn't necessarily mean a thing at this stage. Kalissa is a fast developer and 9 times out of 10, if you're going to compare your child to mine....well, Kalissa is probably doing things that your child may not be yet (I heard Mariah Carey on tv yesterday bragging that her daughter "is only 5 months old and is already pushing up with her arms". I couldn't help but think back to when Kali was 5 months old -- and was already crawling!). It's funny but I really do find myself downplaying her development but on the inside, I'm proud that she's not even 2 1/2 but can count to 20 by herself, can hold a reasonable conversation with you, knows her shapes (and not just the basics -- she brought me one of her learning shapes the other day and said, "look Mommy...a trapezoid!" Trapezoid!?!) But hey, I'm not one to brag..... : )

I tried to get a picture of her first day but she definitely was not in the mood! *lol*
Daddy picked her up from school today and she received a positive daily report. He said her teacher told him that Kali is a great communicator and she had "her listening ears on all day". Yeaaaaaa Kali! This afternoon, he bought her a little backpack which she loved and she can't wait to go back tomorrow so she can use it.

In other news, we discovered a new 'talent'. Over the weekend Kalissa learned that she can independently bend the first segment of her fingers while keeping the rest of her finger straight! How she figured that out, and why she decided to show me is a mystery. She just came up to me with her fingers bent and said, "Mommy, look at this!" Of course I was grossed out. Then Daddy informed me that he can also do it with his index and middle fingers. Gross! Yes another trait handed down from Daddy....it's a good thing I birthed her because she is definitely all things AL!