Natalie's First Day of School

Natalie started four-year-old preschool today, and she couldn't have been more excited. She was dressed and ready early, and it was a sunny 70 degree morning, so we decided to walk. We walked through the college campus on our way, and she showed us the science building where she says she's going to go to learn how to be a nurse when she's older. (They took a tour of some of the college buildings last year).

She has fifteen kids in her class. Twelve of the fifteen went to school together last year, but they have three new kids in their class. On the way to school this morning we talked about being friendly and welcoming to the new kids. I told her that they might be nervous because they won't know the rest of the class, and I said that if someone needs a friend to play with that she could be their friend. I didn't really expect anything to come from that conversation, but I was so proud of her when I got an email from her teacher this afternoon telling about how Natalie tried really hard to help the new students. Ms. Larisa said Natalie, "desperately wanted to help them and get them interested in various activities." She said that ultimately, the new kids were interested in playing something else, which made Natalie cry a little, but I don't think I've ever been more proud of her.