Jake's Birthday Celebration at School

Jake had his birthday celebration at school (a bit early since his last day of school is June 14th). He was so excited!

Laying the months of the year around the candle (sun).
Mike and Ryan and I all were able to go!

"The earth goes around the sun. The earth goes around the sun. It takes 12 months for the earth to go around, and then Jake turned 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)."
Cole and Skylar, Jake's best buddies!
Our family, with the poster we made for Jake showing a picture of him each year.
Then it was lunchtime. We sat at a table with Jake and Skylar.
After lunch Jake handed out his treat of choice to everyone -- gummy bears! (Last year it was donuts. I was really surprised/puzzled at the gummy bear request but everyone really liked them.)

First Day of School 2010

Jake was so excited the minute he woke up this morning, he couldn't wait to go to school! He was most excited about seeing his friends and about his cool new lunchbox.

The morning went smoothly, with a good breakfast and we got out the door in good time. I am surprised that I felt a bit emotional even though this is his second year and the same classroom and same teacher! He's growing up and it's amazing to see.

Holiday Singing!

This evening was Jake's classroom's holiday party. For weeks now the kids have been practicing songs to sing at the party. Every once in a while I've caught Jake singing to himself, and it was fun to go and see them and actually find out what he's been singing!
Singing "I've got peace like a river."
I've got joy like a fountain.
The snowman song.
The whole Sunflower class!

They also sang "This little light of mine," a Hanukkah song, and "He's got the whole world in his hands."

The best part was seeing Jake totally beam at the end when all the parents were clapping!

Afterwards there were cookies that the kids had made and decorated themselves. Then most of the kids, including Jake, ran around the playground in the dark. Pretty cool.

Day by Day

Jake's first day at school went so well. He loved exploring his new classroom and meeting his new friends. And the playground is awesome. He came home talking about a book they had read about cats and cupcakes with sprinkles! Sounds like a good book...

Unfortunately, day 2 wasn't so great. Apparently he really missed me, cried for a long time, and slept through lunchtime. He was thrilled to see me when I picked him up and told me that he had missed me and cried. What a hard thing for a mama to hear.

Today is day 3, and we talked quite a bit about him missing me, and how that was okay, and how I would be picking him up after school. That seemed to help and he was excited to go back again today.

Changes are not easy, but we're all doing our best...

Jake's First Day of School

Life goes on... especially when you have a (very, very precious) child who is now a big boy and has started school!
Arrival at school and greeting Teacher Lydia.
This morning when he woke up we were just hanging out in bed. Jake had his eyes open and looked thoughtful. So I asked him what he was thinking about, and he immediately said "school!" I'm glad he was so excited. Can't wait till he comes home and tells me all about it.

Preschool Orientation!

Jake had orientation at his preschool. The two of us went. I dropped him off at his classroom with Teacher Lydia and said goodbye and went to listen to speakers for 45 minutes. The speakers were good, and when I went back to the classroom Jake was happily working with some nuts/bolts and a screwdriver. It took him awhile to be ready to stop what he was doing and leave, so it seems it went really well! It helps that his friend Skylar is in the same classroom with him.
Official first day of school is on Monday. So exciting!