Today is a big day. We’ve just dropped Dylan off at pre school for the first time. I can’t believe that he’s at this stage already. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that he was faceplanting his way into the world at an antisocial hour and I was soon to be found wandering the streets of Eastbourne in a bewildered fashion due to the strictures of visiting hours.
I know it’s not proper school, but it’s still a big deal. He’ll soon be spending three days a week away from me, Kate and Xander; a new experience for all of us.
Like any parents, we’re hoping he’ll enjoy it and give a good account of himself. He’s a generally well-behaved, very clever and warm little lad so he should fit in well, but there’s always an element of doubt about new things. He can be resistant to change, so I do wonder how he’s going to react to his new routine and surroundings.
Another thing we’re hoping is that he’ll pick up a few tricks from other children. Particularly in terms of eating a wider variety of things and obtaining a less militant attitude towards toilet training. He’s been a bit lazy on both fronts. Maybe because we’ve been a bit lenient with him as he’s our first. Xander will be afforded no such luxury!
And speaking of the youngest member of the family, I’m hoping that Xander will enjoy the freedom of the living room without being reminded of the pecking order by his big brother.
They play nicely together, of course, but it’s pretty much always on Dylan’s terms so it’ll be good for both of them to have a little bit of a different daytime routine. Xander is starting to get quite a few words under his belt too, so the chance to practise them with Kate without being shouted down by Dylan proving that he knows them too will be of great benefit, I’m sure.
We recently had a visit from two of the key workers who Dylan will be spending his days with. It went well – and he managed to sneak the word ‘trapesium’ into conversation, so that was good! – so I take that as an encouraging sign, but it’s not going to stop me sitting staring at my phone for the duration of the time he’ll be there.
ARGH!
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So how did he get on? I still remember reading your blog back when he was just a baby – I cannot believe how quickly the time passes! It’ll be our turn next!
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He was fine thanks, David. He was well behaved and seemed to enjoy it, but was a bit zapped when we picked him up! Don’t know where the time has gone – he’ll be doing his GCSEs next!
I am hoping for exactly the same magic from pre-school! So it actually sounds like pre-school is full of potty-training-resisting picky eaters who won’t do each other a bit of good. 🙁 Also hoping the Girl will be able to practise walking and talking without being instantly picked up and plonked somewhere else by her brother, claiming all the while that he is being “really careful”. Hm…
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Thanks Judith. Yes, there seems to be a common theme! I’m sure it will do them a lot of good though. Dylan is already talking about new friends and singing songs he’s learned, so that’s a good start. 🙂
Such a sweet picture – love the schoolbag! I hope Xander had enjoyed ruling the roost for a while!
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Cheers Helen! Xander just wandered around saying “Dylan? Dylan?” on Monday – think he’ll realise the benefit of having the toys to himself soon though! 😉
It’s a massive deal!! Z will be starting in February and I still can’t believe how the last few years have been flying by. I imagine we’ll be saying that when they’re 20 too, right?
P.s I hope he loved it!
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Ha! Yes, I think we probably will still be saying that then. He seemed to enjoy it thanks – I’m sure Z will too. 🙂