Third day

The third day of pre-school was somewhat better. Mama was on duty again, but was able to step back a bit more and let Petra play with the other kids more. Petra is still not interested in circle time though. When the kids went outside to play, Alison stayed inside and out of sight, and Petra was fine (though at one point, Alison could hear her asking a teacher "Excuse me, have you seen my mother and father?"

There was a bit of a meltdown, but Alison secretly stuffed a graham cracker and some grapes into Petra, and she was fine again. Alison was able to get away again for an hour or two all through lunch. It was Splash day, and Petra had lots of fun out playing though she really wanted a "water park with big waves" rather than sprinklers. She introduced herself to "those shy girls," and made some new friends, so that was a good sign. Though she initially says she doesn't like school, when we talk about it, she certainly has lots of good memories of fun activities and nice people. I'm hoping the good outweigh the bad soon!

Again, though, Petra was ready to nap with the other kids, but the teachers said "No" and sent her home. They've decided that we'll continue transition (and us missing work and burning vacation time) into next week. This doesn't seem like a great idea to me, as we now have a 4 day weekend, in which Petra will forget all about the routines she has been learning.

At least Petra took a good long nap, so she and Alison were happy when I got home (whew!). Thursday I'm staying home with her ("staff development day" at pre-school. Hmmm, they always seem to be just before long weekends. Go figure!).