Molly Musings

Today, when I picked Molly up from preschool I asked her how her day was. We talked a bit. And I asked her if she played with little Amelia (a friend of ours). Molly said "Yes, we played outside. We played 'sick and cake'." What is that I asked, intrigued. She replied "One person gets sick the other one gives out the medicine and then they both eat cake." Sounds like a good game to me!

A New Preschool

Molly started a new preschool today. It is a larger program with a curriculum based in the philosophy of High Scope which focuses on active play based learning. Her school is right next to Sierra College so she and I drive up to school together each morning. She has been a little apprehensive about a new program. She was really worried about rest time. And I didn't tell her until this morning that there are no binkies allowed. You should have seen her face...kinda wish I had a camera to catch it. There was a long pause...a look...more pause...then

"what do you mean there is no binkie?"

"well, this preschool says no binkies at school."

"ok, well just for rest. I'll put it in my back pack."

"sweetie, there are no binkies allowed even for nap."

"how do you know?"
" I read it in the rule book."

"Wait, this preschool has a rule book?"

followed by another long pause...

But then she put the binkie next to her bed and we drove to school. We arrived, checked her in, picked out her new cubby (*sigh*), and gave her a kiss on the hand (a la the book Kissing Hand) and a big hug, and she took Ms. Akeema's hand and headed outside to play with the other kids.

I worried all day. My skin felt on fire with anxiousness and desire to go get her. I got a call from Ms. Akeema at about 12:30 telling me that Molly was doing great and making new friends. Some relief but still I wanted to see her, ask her myself.

Right after class...and I mean right after, I even moved my car closer to the classroom so I could get off campus faster...I went to pick her up. I walked into preschool at 3:30pm. They were in the middle of snack. Molly looked up from the table, gave me a little wave, and then went back to snack and talking to friends. I talked to the teachers while she finished up and discovered that she was one of the first to fall asleep and the very last to wake up! She never asked about the b-i-n-k-i-e! She also made fast friends with another little girl also named Molly! She did great!

Snack was over, Molly helped to clean up and then she joined the other kids to line up to go outside. Eh...em, HELLO! I'm here to pick her up. Ms. Akeema said "Molly, I think your mom is here to pick you up." So she comes over, gives me a big hug and said "Mom, why are we leaving when the other kids get to go outside?"

So in the end, I think she will be just fine. And probably even thrive at her new program. I'm thrilled and emotionally exhausted! Like I say, this mama stuff isn't for the weak!

A "Barbie" Halloween

Everybody, including Molly, knows how I feel about Barbie. I've made peace with the princess obsession by introducing strong and capable princesses--ones who don't need rescuing (and don't get into situations from which to be rescued in the first place!). Molly gets the notion that being smart is good, being capable is good. But still we have gone round and round about why mommy doesn't care for Barbie. It is a pretty done deal.

Then came last night. We had such fun at our Halloween celebration. Our group is still young enough (and conscious enough) to have age-approporiate costumes for kids. We have good 'ole fashioned' fun--bobbing for apples, pinatas, etc. And of course trick or treating. Molly had such a good time.

So there we are Trick or Treating...and at the last house we experienced a Halloween miracle (from Molly's perspective I'm sure this was even better than a Christmas miracle!). The last house we visited was very decorated and the owners sat on the porch in great pirate costumes. For the kids, instead of candy, there was a big tub of toys to chose from. Pretty exciting and very generous. Well, it didn't take Molly long to choose. She came running back to me with such thrill in her eyes. I think she thought she had finally thrawted the system. With a little fear in her voice she said, "Look Mommy, a barbie..." She could hardly believe her luck but I think she as also concerned I would take her away. My head was spinning. What to do? She was so excited. So happy. How could I take this special surprise away from her? How could I not?

It was dark out and as I was trying to come up with a response I looked closer at her hand and what do I see....the 'Barbie' that Molly picked out (out of the many choices) was Xena--the Warrior Princess!!! My baby girl picked out the warrior princess!