I'm One Proud Mommy!

Today was Preston's first class at "The Kids Spot (TKS)." It is owned by the people who used to own the baby gym that Jackson took classes at when he was two and three. They have since closed that one down and relocated and renamed the business to TKS. It works out great where I can take Preston now and spend quality time with him while Jackson is at school on Thursday mornings. It has and still is been very important to me to try to make sure Preston gets the same opportunities (soccer, baby gym, etc) that Jackson did. Preston had been to the old location as an infant watching Jackson take classes and had also been to the free play time there a few times when he was one. But, this was his first time at the new location and his first time taking a class.

He knows what you mean when you say "baby gym." So, this morning when I told him that was where we were going he was quite excited! On the way there he kept saying, "Are we almost dere?" So cute!

Let me preface this posting that when Jackson was two he didn't always do so great at his classes. The main reason I had signed him up was for other child interaction and learning to follow directions and take turns, etc. Just like any other only child and any other two-year old he often pitched fits trying to master these. Having said that I had already spoken to Dad that I was fully prepared to undergo that again. But...

Let me just say that Preston LOVED his class...I mean LOVED! And, he was the most well-behaved child in there!

I don't often feel comfortable bragging about my children and often "underreport" how smart or great they are because I feel uncomfortable bragging. But, get ready because this post is going to be lots of bragging! So, sorry in advance if it sounds conceited! But, I just can't stand back anymore and not give my children the credit they deserve! :) :)

Here's Preston getting ready to go in:

Here he is at the end when they do bubbles and the bubbles song. This used to be his favorite part of the open play time, but after today I think he has new favorites. Notice all the other children in there are also two. I think the age range is 23 to 26 months.

Here he is coming down the slide. I was one of the few that could master the new ladder they have now in this tiki hut house. I was very proud of him! Although he makes me nervous!

Here's my cutie again! He listened so well to the directions they gave. He wasn't afraid to try the monkey bars, and they were teaching throwing balls today. His teacher commented early on that "looks like little Preston here already has that down!" He also did great waiting his turn and sharing when asked to. This probably sounds really conceited... but I tell you sometimes you don't know how truly smart or advanced your child is until you place them in a room with 10 others one, you know?

As usual, the balls were one of his favorite activities!

I am very excited that he is doing this class now because for some reason he calls everything green or yellow when asked what color it is. It has been driving me nuts! :) I know he's only two! But...you know me. So, today he and I worked ALOT on his colors. I hope in a few more weeks he has gotten red and blue down better. And, of course he loves stickers! And, they got stickers at the end.

But, my biggest brag is just the little boy that he is. He is so happy, talks so well, and expresses so much emotion and excitement. His personality is great (just like Jackson's!) And, now at the new location they don't have a separate room for the actual class and the music time. I was so worried about how I would get him to sit still and participate and follow directions without being distracted by the other things like the slide and balls, etc. The teacher had commented on this saying try to keep them involved in the instructions, but if you just can't get them to stay with you then that's okay. (I cringed because part of Jackson's fits had been in that room and there wasn't even distraction in there!) But, I tell you Preston did so good! He listened to his teacher and me. And, really wanted to do what she said and do it correctly, too. (And, not all of the other children were doing the same.)

I wish I could have videotaped it. But, that would have been virtually impossible since it is a "mommy and me" class where I participate! :) But, I tell you if you could have seen his face. I almost had tears in my eyes watching his face. He was grinning and looked amazed. And, just like Jackson, his favorite part was when they handed out the drums. He loved the parachute, too. I honestly can say I don't think he has ever looked that happy in his entire life. Even at Disney World (as much as I hate to admit that.) :)

We're looking forward to next week! I can't wait!

And, like I said, please noone hate me for bragging. :) I'm just proud like the title says!