First day of preschool for the girls

Today the girls started attending the school district's preschool.  They officially won't be enrolled until October when Alayna turns 3 but the girls will go on Mondays and Fridays for evaluation purposes and to get accustomed to the environment.   The will still attend the Lee Ann Britain center for preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays and have their individual OT, ST, & PT on Wednesdays until October. 

Both preschools they will be attending are developmental preschool that have peer models.  Meaning at least half the class is "typical, no special needs".  This is awesome for the girls because it will prepare them for kindergarten in a few years in which there will probably be no one else in their school with ds.
I knew Alayna would have no problem heading off without me.  Just like Aidan they both are independent and not clingy when it comes to mom leaving them.  Dariya on the other hand is another story.   She has been going to the preschool room during church service as has done very well but, is very clingy when I drop her off.

I debated keeping her home a bit longer to continue with the great bonding that we have worked on until now.  But, at 3 1/2 we also thought she needs to be in the routine and involved with peers her own age that she can learn from.  So off to school we go...

Of course you have to have a good night's sleep before school so big brother made sure they were read to, rocked and ready for bed on time.


Then you have to wait as mommy takes about a million pictures trying to get that perfect one (and never succeeding).

Showing off their backpacks.  Alayna loves her, Dariya was not too sure about the turtle shell hanging out on her back and was thrilled when I took it off.
Big brother always gets them to look at the camera!

You say a little prayer....

And a BIG Amen (notice Alayna's disapproval)!

Then if you are blessed like us you head off to a wonderful preschool with amazing teachers and paras!  We ♥ you Ms. Juanita.

Alayna did very well today, although she was very quiet.  Prayerfully she will open up and use her great communication skills once she knows the staff and kids better.  Dariya started off ok at drop off, no tears (except from Mommy) but, she quickly turned into the Tasmanian devil for a little while and showed her stubborn side that we haven't seen since our first visit with her in Ukraine.  I am sure the stress of the new environment, lack of vision and mommy not staying freaked her out a bit. 

I left the girls in good hands and came home and prayed as I cleaned the house the whole 2 1/2 hours they were there.  Thanks to those who joined me in prayer!  Upon pick up Juanita said they both had really good days.  Dariya did get agitated when they put the snack up (surprise, surprise) but overall she did well and was signing along with them while they read Brown Bear, Brown Bear. 

I look forward to next week when Dariya's glasses come in and then we can see how much she will keep them on truly blossom!