Piece of cake........sorta.....

Monday (DAY 1) - Childcare Dropoff 2008.

Yesterday was Maddox's first day of "school". Being President's Day, Mommy had the day off and was appreciative of the extra time this traumatic event may require. Mommy & Daddy spent a good part of the weekend prepping Maddox with the idea and getting him excited about his new life. The entire ride over, Mom entertained (term used loosely) the boys with a "Maddox is going to school" song.

All the children were eating breakfast when we got there and it took a few minutes (plus a banana and multiple french toast sticks w/ syrup) to get Maddox in the chair. He seemed happy enough not to notice that I wasn't in his eyesight while I learned the check-in procedures and unloaded his supplies. When I was headed out, I went over to him and asked if he could say goodbye to me and he waved and said "Bye Bye." I'm thinking, this is easier than I thought! I left the room and watched for a few seconds from the other side of the cubbies (out of view) and he appeared to look around a little, but then I took off.

Once I showed up in the afternoon, I was signing him out, but he hadn't seen me yet. The teacher said he did OK and they had many conversations throughout the day about how I was coming back after lunch, nap, snack, outside time, etc. There was some difficulty at naptime (big surprise), but they must have gotten through it just fine. About that time, Maddox turned and saw me. I smiled and excitedly greeted him, upon which he started crying dramatically with tears. After a long hug (very tricky w/ Dylan in the Baby Bjorn), he seemed OK with everything, even pointing out the teacher to me with a smile. There was even a craft project to bring home. He was back to his perky self as we walked to the car.

He had a few "I started school today" presents waiting for him when he got home: a talking Elmo Potty book from Mommy (lets get this toilet training going!) and walkie talkies from Dad (which, sadly, were not of the highest calibur). Mom & Dad were also heaping on the praise and letting him know how proud they were of him. He was excited by the attention and settled into the normal evening routine.

Tuesday (DAY 2) - Childcare Dropoff 2008.

This morning went fine as well. He did say "Papa" while we were driving in the car (assuming we were headed to Grandpa Ed's house for the day), but Mommy was letting him know we were heading to school again. This was done w/ trepidation in case a tantrum would be thrown in protest. We pulled into the parking lot and walked into the classroom. He showed appropriate familiarity and wasn't too bad. Until Mommy gave a goodbye hug. Immediate, loud, sad, and desperate crying commenced and Mommy made a quick exit, shooting an "I'm sorry" glance at a teacher. I could still hear the crying down the hall.

That's where we're at. What kind of reception will I receive upon pickup tonight? Grateful hug of appreciation or anger-filled lashout with a tantrum tomorrow morning? Only time will tell................