Will's School Pumpkin Party

Will's first "school" party was on Friday...not wanting to miss out, I took a half day so I could be there to watch and help. There was a costume parade first. The real participants are the 3's classes, but all classes go out to watch and then join in the parade at the end. When I arrived, Will was sitting on the curb with his class doing just what he was supposed to do. As soon as he saw me, all following of directions went out the window. He got teary and just wanted me to hold him.After the parade, everyone went inside to their classrooms for special treats. You could tell Will had no idea how to act since I was there. He was confused, like it was time to go home or something. At this point all of the kids still had their costumes on, so one of the moms suggested we get a group picture of them on the rug. His teachers looked at each other and sort of smiled and said "ok..." We should have known then it was a bad idea. A REALLY bad idea. ALL of the kids started crying and reaching out for their moms or dads. This made me feel better to at least know that Will wasn't the only one acting this way. Will and Minnie Mouse completely had a come apart on the floor.Like total melt down mode....Minnie Mouse decided the photo opp just wasn't worth it and just got up and left.Will stayed, but continued to reach out his arms until I finally told him we were done and it was okay to get up. They were the most pitiful bunch of almost 2 year olds you ever did see. Once picture time was over, all the kids changed into their regular clothes and it was time to eat. Will was still a little bothered by why we weren't leaving and would cry anytime I would leave his side to take a picture.
Once food was on his plate, he was FINE. He got super excited over the variety and sat with his friends, and ate almost everything! He even drank out of a cup like a big boy. No more sippy cup for Will (at school at least, I'm not brave enough to do that at home just yet).The rest of the party was fun and it was especially fun to visit with the other parents and see Will interacting with his friends. Will has become pretty popular there-first because everyone knew him because it took so long for him to get adjusted...I guess when the other kids got dropped off, the parents would always see Will sad. Now, he is more known for his game day gear. Every Friday Will wears his Auburn jersey or tshirt. One of the dads told me it was his mission every Friday to try and get Will to say Roll Tide. I told that Dad that Will's dad would promptly dis-enroll Will if he came home having learned those words at school :)
I am SO incredibly thankful for all of the people at Will's school, and especially his teachers. Will LOVES going there now, he never cries when I drop him off. He is happy when I come to pick him up, and sometimes he is not quite ready to leave! They bring home the cutest artwork and have learned many songs. They are working on their first bible verse this month, and have taught him how to "say" the blessing (He really just folds his hands and says his version of Amen at the end, but it is start). My blog should be a testament to ANYONE that is about to start their child in daycare that you shall survive (both you and the child) and that it WILL get easier!