Day 2

Grace's return to VBS today was... Well I was worried about how she'd do. I know that she had "fun" yesterday, but she'd also told me that she did not want to go back. Our separation was an emotional one and I anticipated the same for today.


When we pulled into the parking lot this morning Taylor was standing right there waiting for her brother's to be unloaded from the car. That was a relief. Grace and Taylor immediately gave each other a bg hug and exchanged excited hello's. We all walked in together and I braced for a quick exit. To my surprise Grace was whisked away with a big "Good morning Grace!! Come sit over here!" by her Jr. Counselor, Jayme before we could even say good-bye. I was a little sad, but thought "maybe this is the best?" so I hid in the back cowering behind Rachael watching to see if Grace would join in the sing-along that was happening. She wasn't - she was looked stressed and was scanning the room for me. I could see she was about to cry and that was so very difficult. But I was determined not to swoop in - This is healthy - this is growth - this is important! Much to my delight Jayme and Susan another counselor plopped themselves right on the floor next to Grace and began to distract/entertain her. Okay and off we go - She will be fine.

Easier said than done - The pastor stopped us on the way out to get a 'fist bump' from Lily and ooh and ahhh over her cheeks and their "pinch-ability". This pleased Lily and she laughed and waved and said "Hi! Hi! Hi!" that is until she realized that we were making our way to the door and away from "Gace". The wailing commenced as soon as I hit the hallway and did not stop for 35 minutes. "Gace?!" - "Where Gace go?" - "Gace!!!" - Once the crying stopped the concerned and upset questions about Grace didn't stop until we picked her up. - This might actually be harder on Lily than anyone else! The one person I never considered might have a problem with this was Lily!!

When I arrived to pick Grace up a very sweet counselor stopped me and gushed.... "I have to tell you -My daughter is just head over heels in love with your daughter! - She asked me to take a picture of the two of them to send to her father at work today. She talked about Grace all night last night and Grace is just the cutest little thing I've ever seen - Those big eyes of hers are amazing! She is just as sweet as can be" And I'm thinking - Wow! She knows so much about Grace and I don't even know who her daughter is. So I ask. "Really? That is so nice to hear!! Who is your daughter??" Thinking her daughter must be one of the little preschoolers in Grace's group. The response was a delightful surprise. "I'm Jayme's mom. Jayme would just love to babysit for your daughter if you ever need someone!" {We do!! How exciting!!} I have to say I am now beaming with pride - it was so nice that this woman would come tell me this - It felt even better knowing her daughter was a fan of my daughter; so I know Grace is in a good, safe, loving place. I felt ten feet tall!

When I finally got to Grace's group to check her out she and Jayme gave each other a big hug goodbye and said they'd see each other tomorrow when I was once again stopped by one of Grace's counselors wanting to tell me what a "joy" she is to have in their group. And what a sweet little girl she is and how I should be very proud of her. Wow! This is great! She's happy - They like her! But I still would like to speak with her preschool teacher {Ms. Denise} to make sure that Grace is okay and that the tears and her fears subside once everything gets going. I was able to briefly speak with Ms. Denise before Grace announced that she “had to go potty” but the few things were said... Brian and I made the right decision to send Grace to this preschool! She is in a good place, with good people and I am so very excited for all of the amazing things to come!

I sent Ms. Denise an email yesterday to be sure that all had gone well. Explaining to her that this was Grace's first experience away from me and I wanted it to be a positive one. This was the response...

Shelbi,

Thank you for your e-mail.
Grace is the sweetest little girl. You should see her during music. She tries so hard, and has all the right moves. :-)

Grace seems to be having fun and is making friends. She gets along with everyone and is very polite. Grace listens, and follows directions, and is just delightful to have in class.

 I am really looking forward to having her in preschool this fall. She truly is a little dolly.

Grace asked for her picture to be taken this morning just like we did yesterday

{My little 'Ham' !}

Then said "Take my picture next to the car!"

{Okay... Big 'Ham' !}

"Mom - I'm a movie star!"

{I had to stop the car for this one -

Alright... So maybe the reason she's such a 'Ham' is that I stop the car for stuff like this.}

SO HAPPY to see best bud, Taylor!

VBS

Today was Grace's very first day of VBS {Vacation Bible School}. Brian and I decided to send her this week for a number of reasons. The first reason was that this particular VBS is at her school. It would be a great introduction to what life will be like this fall. The second being that Grace's little neighborhood buddy and future preschool classmate, Taylor would be attending as well; so Grace would know someone and the last reason - It's important to start getting Grace used to being off on her own and give Lily some well deserved "mommy time"! {of course Lily slept instead!?}
Last night we ran into Taylor's family at the pool and the first thing Grace said when she saw Taylor was "I'm going to camp with you tomorrow!" Grace has been so very excited to go off on this new adventure with her friend! Then again this morning Grace woke up and announced on her way down the stairs {before evening saying good morning - before evening going potty for that matter} "Okay! I'm ready for summer camp!" - She cracks me up! Then in the car on our way she said all giddy and giggly - "I am so excited about going to camp with Taylor this morning!"

I knew once we go there and got out of the car she'd become a bit shy. I even tried to prepare myself for a few tears when I left - But I knew that once I left and things got started she would have a blast! At the registration table we learned that Miss Denise {her preschool teacher} was going to be her group leader this week. That was the best new to me! Now come August 12th Grace will already have formed some relationship and hopefully a bond with her teacher! Wheew! This is working out nicely!

Once in the chapel Grace was seated in the front row, given her name tag and upon looking around discovered Taylor was nowhere to be found – Uh-Oh... This might be a problem. I had planned to get out of the chapel as quickly as possible. I wanted my exit to be "like ripping off a band-aid" - Quickly as I could for both our sakes! It just seemed lingering with her would only serve to make my eventual exit that much more difficult {for both of us}. Trying to leave Grace without Taylor by her side proved emotional. She started to fight the tears and be brave which was killing me. Watching her "try" to be brave... {Keep it together Shelb!} Then after a big hug and assuring her it was going to be so much fun! The tears started to roll down her cheeks. {My heart!!!} Try to introduce her to a little girl a chair away, reassure her that Jayme {Jr. Counselor} was going to be so much fun... Grace is spiraling downward... Enter Taylor! Wheew!

As it turned out Taylor and Grace would not be in the same group with Grace. I wondered how that would be. Truthfully it might be the best possible scenario. Taylor also attending VBS was a bit of comfort but maybe Grace needs to be forced to make a few new friends. I hope she will. I left a happy and hugging couple of girlfriends. Rachael and I snapped a few parting photos and I tried to follow my friends lead, blow a kiss, mouth 'I love you' give a quick wave and walk out, strong, confident, quickly. I did and I knew that all would be okay.

Halfway to the car, my stiff upper lip was tested when Lily starting wailing "Gace..... Gace..... Where Gace??" Oh lord... Lily cried for Grace {Gace} all the way home. I had hope to run a few quick errands before finding something fun for Lily and me to do with our special time. Instead I brought Lily home. I have to admit that while I had hoped for an ecstatic Lily, I was touched at her love for her big sister! It's always been clear that Lily thinks Grace hung the moon. I hope that is something she always feels for her big sister!

When I got back to the school to pick Grace up I could see her group outside getting ready to line up. I couldn't pick her out of the group, but knew they were on their way in for the closing devotional before thay could be dismissed. I wanted to keep out of sight so as not to be a distraction. So I sat in the car and waited and watched. The group got up and attempted to form a line and one behind the other {sort of} they began to file into the school. There, toward the end of the line I finally spotted her - in pigtails, marching into the school - it was...emotional. I was so happy and so proud and so astounded at how grown up she looked! I would be lying if I didn't admit my eyes misted up a little.
Once in the chapel I found a happy little girl excited to tell me all about her morning - Just like I had hoped and deep down always knew I would find her!

Getting ready to get in the car and go....

A little nervous... Looking around for Taylor.

Taylor is finally here!

Everything's gonna be fine!