Well I survived my baby's first day of preschool. How selfish does that sound? I guess I should say Jack survived his first day of preschool. Don't worry, no one cried or got upset. As usual, Jack was Mr. Independent. He didn't even bat an eye when we dropped him off. Since it was the first day, Ed and I wanted to walk him in and make sure he was comfortable. He was so EXCITED! That morning we fed him a nice big breakfast and kept talking about how this was such a special day. He already had both of his teachers names memorized. I found this to be quite impressive since I couldn't remember them and he had to keep reminding me. Haha! The kid has the best memory. Hopefully that quality will stay with him as he grows older.
We had a lot of fun taking 1st Day of Preschool pictures. I made a little chalk drawing of the date and had him stand in front of it. He absolutely LOVED holding his lunchbox and wearing his backpack. I then attempted to get some pictures on the front porch of our new house. They kind of turned out. I think this would be a good post to do a summary of Jack. Actually as I'm writing this I'm realizing it is the perfect week to do this because he is exactly 3 1/2 years old this week. Wow! I can't believe it! My sweet baby boy is growing up so quickly and now starting to go to school on a regular basis. He is such an amazing kid. He is even kind to his baby brother and includes him in everything (most of the time). He is still super independent and laid back. Nothing much phases him. He is adventuresome and always willing to try something new. He is outgoing and friendly, loves to be around people.
When you ask him what his name is he tells you, "Jack Edward Storch!" So funny! He will tell you that he is 3 years old and hold up 3 fingers. He can properly identify all of his letters and can draw some of them with assistance. He can count to 15. He knows all of his colors. He can draw a circle and kind of draw a square. He asks about a million questions a day which is adorable, but can wear on Mommy and Daddy. He wants to know how things work and will take the time to figure things out. He understands how to play games such as Candyland, Memory, Chutes and Ladders, etc. and he follows rules/takes turns. He says "please" and "thank you" without being prompted. He can put together puzzles without help. He has started to do the 50 states puzzle, but needs help from us to complete it. In all fairness it is quite complex and the pieces don't fit together perfectly until they are all in place.
He is very athletic and coordinated, able to throw and catch a ball. He can kick a ball and also hit a ball off of a tee. He can easily ride a tricycle and also a traditional bicycle with training wheels. He can jump on one foot. At the park he walks easily on a balance beam without falling and can do all of the activities on the jungle gym. He is a great climber. He can climb ladders, rock walls, etc without any help. He is a pretty decent eater and will always at least try something before declining it altogether. All in all he is the best first son anyone could ask for. We love him so much and are very proud of him!
Here are some pictures from his first day of school. He walked right in and made himself at home. I actually had to ask him for a hug and kiss goodbye. Here are some cute pictures of his cubby, placing his name on the tree, and a quick shot of him and his baby brother, whom I'm sure will grow up just as quickly. :(
Quick funny story: On the second day of school Ed was driving Jack in the morning and talking to him on the ride over. He asked him if he wanted Daddy to walk in with him or drop him off in the carpool lane. He said he looked in the mirror and could see Jack thinking hard. After a few moments of pondering Jack answered with, "Nah, that's okay Daddy. You can just drop me off like a school bus."
Oh. My. Goodness. I felt a stab of pain in my chest and he didn't even say it to me. How funny and sad is that? Poor Ed. He dropped Jack off and he said he walked right in by himself. I know it's good that he is so independent, but sometimes you just want them to need you a little bit. Here's hoping for a great year at school!!!