When I grow up, I want to be...

A couple of weeks ago, I had an appointment with an ENT. He was young and hilarious. He loves kids and the boys were so good there. He was funny and for a very unknown reason, decided to stick a 8 inch long q-tip into his nose which was ewwww, but kind of cool. Anyhow, when we got home, Carson told Greg that when he grows up, he's going to be a doctor just like Dr. Hobson (who's really Dr. Hanson). That is the FIRST time Carson has ever said he wants to be ______ when he grows up other than to want to be Spiderman or a lion. I thought it was so sweet. I was just ear to ear smiling.

Well, yesterday was his very first time at school (preschool). In fact his first time left alone with anyone but family. He loved it and had a great time. He didn't hesitate at all and actually complained that I was taking too many pictures and he just wanted to go to school. He gladly stepped out of the car and off he went without even a hug. He's only going three days a week. He's disappointed he can't go today so I told him that we were going to see Dr. Hanson today. I reminded him about his wanting to be a doctor like Dr. Hanson when he grows up. He said, very seriously, "But Mommy, I want to be a TEACHER when I grow up".

Oh, can you feel my heart swell? I teared up. Not because I'm a teacher and I like the idea of him following in my footsteps, but because this preschool and his teachers, have given him such a very warm first school experience that he wants to be a teacher. He wants to go to school every day. I know it's just preschool and that as he gets older and has to spend time doing seat work and there's no more toys in the room, that he will likely feel differently. However, I believe there is nothing more important in a child's educational career than the first experience and first teacher. I think that this first year sets the stage for the ' I like school. or I hate school.' feeling.

I asked him when I picked him up if he liked school. He replied with a look of , well duh Mom, "I like school and I LOVE school!" He was really looking at me like, of course I do, it's the best place on Earth, why would you even ask that?

I could not be any more thrilled. I hope that this continues. I know it's only been one day, but my anxiety is squashed and my heart is swollen up with pride for him and admiration for this school program.

By the way, this is a preschool through our public school district.We could never have afforded to send him to preschool. We even checked into part time programs at private centers, and I'd just resigned myself to the fact that he would not have the preschool advantage, but the school district began this program this year. It's very cheap so that we struggling parents can afford it. We still couldn't afford full time, but this is a huge advantage for him and I am so thankful to our school district. He has high quality curriculum, learning through play, certified teachers, a playground indoor and outdoor, a room full of equipment, toys, books, an assistant with a college education and experience, a toddler size bathroom, and a very small class-size. I am so happy we moved here. I am just thrilled (can you tell).