Pre-School is Just Around the Corner - argh.

First of all apologies for the lack of any creative/crafting vibe around here. I have no energy or enthusiasm for anything at the moment as I still feel terrible. However Alex keeps me occupied and gives me lots of kisses and cuddles and that is the best medicine you could ask for!

We went to have a look at the local pre-school playgroup last week. It is in the same building as the local primary school that I would like him to attend eventually. It is a really sweet Victorian red-brick building and it's small and personal which I much prefer. I hate these giant schools which I think are so overwhelming for small children. We are very lucky in that our local primary school has an excellent reputation and the kids seem to love it there. Anyway the pre-school group is separate although in the same building which means they can use the same facilities - a lovely grassy wooded playground, kitchen, bathrooms - and get used to the environment before having to go to school all day all week.

Alex was born in the summer so he will have just turned 4 by the time he is meant to go to school. I think this is terribly young and would love to wait till he is 5 (and homeschool) but I might have to go along with this. So the thought that, when he does eventually go to school, he will be in the same building surrounded by the same people (including his friends) is a very comforting one.

However the group is pretty big with up to 26 kids on Mondays and Tuesdays (when I work and had planned to take him). When we were there on a Wednesday there were only 10 kids and I thought this was a much better number - less noisy and manic! So we may swap days so he goes on the quieter days. He is a very mellow easy going little boy and he does get picked upon by the alpha male toddlers so I am hoping a smaller group will avoid this.

I got very teary at the idea of him going to school (I am so with you on that Suzie Sews!) - it all seems far too soon. However I know that it will be good for him, that he likes socialising and the stimulation it will give him will do him the world of good. It is only for 2 1/2 hrs and would only be twice a week so it's not too demanding. Still it feels like the end of babyhood and the start of a new phase in his life - one that goes on for another 16+ years. Also there is the matter of trust. The only people who I leave Alex with are his grandparents and his Dad. I have never left him with anyone else and the idea of leaving him with a bunch of relative strangers, even if very experienced and well qualified, is a weird one. One I have to do eventually but not one I am looking forward to. I guess these things are as much a rite-of-passage for me as they are for him.