Diego: I want Gelli to go to a special school where she has all special classmates.
Me: I think it’s a better if she goes to a typical school with typical classmates. She is only in preschool now, so she might enjoy it more.
Diego: But if she goes to a regular school, then I have to be there. Because I don’t want anyone to make fun of her. They might make fun of her, Mom.
Cue TEARS.
Diego’s love for his sister is FIERCE. He wants to protect her…to shelter her…to be with her always…and I LOVE THAT. But, I also know that Gelli can do this and that she is ready for the next phase of her toddler days.
If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, then you know that we reached a huge milestone on Monday. I had planned with my friend Tetet, to bring Gellibean in for a trial at The Little Apprentice. I shared my concerns with Tet. She’s a good friend and has actually been telling me for months to bring Gelli in already. But I think she also knows that Gelli is the last baby, and that this Momma is holdin’ on as long as she can to that last baby at home-feeling…
She did totally fine….as in TOTALLY FINE…and my heart is full…I didn’t even cry (tears of gratitude) until I spoke to Nino about it later that night, when the kids were sleeping, and we were discussing the events of our day. Here is my photo stream of her first (and second) day at school that filled my heart.
It was nice that Daddy was able to join us for her first day.
She felt right at home in her new classroom and started counting circles to pass the time.
Teacher Boom was actually surprised that this was Gelli’s first time in a classroom setting.
Still counting…she was going around the classroom before the other students arrived. She was particularly fond of the rainbow in the room.
Since she is familiar with puzzles, it was the first toy she brought out from the shelves.
When her classmates arrived, they started the routine of the day. First activity: Circle Time!
After a coloring and gluing activity where the children reinforced their understanding of the color red, they had snack. Gelli thought she could take advantage of the time to read while eating…
One of the things I love most about TLA is their outdoor playground. Not many preschools in Manila have one…
On her second day of school, she was feeling pretty at home. Gosh, she looks so pretty here.
I remembered how they played and dressed her accordingly for the next day. I think it’s time to do a little shopping for the school girl! Stretchy pants and sneakers a must!! (especially if your girl likes to do splits like Gelli.)
After a full morning, my little Gellibean couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore…keep in mind our house is only 5 minutes away from school!!! She is all tuckered out!
I don’t think I could be any more pleased than I was at the end of the second day of her trial…see that little smile in this sleepy selfie with baby girl? That’s only a fraction of what I was feeling on the inside. Happiness.
Aww! I also felt that way with my youngest when he first went to pre-school, and then big-school, and then the first time he went whole day for grade school.
I started with Tetet, Cherie and Melissa, too. But at their first school in QC, way before they all moved to Alabang. Gelli is in good hands.:)
Thanks for stopping by Tina.
I love TLA. We have been going to them since we first moved here. Even then, they were the only preschool that was “play based.” I’m so glad that they are here in Alabang. I think this whole process is bittersweet…like much of parenting…we give them roots and wings at the same time…Gelli is doing just fine with her wings. This Momma is super proud. The next big milestone for our family will be when Gia graduates high school! I will be a hot mess for that one! Time truly flies when you’re having fun!
May God continue to Bless Gelli and all my grandchildren in the Philippines and the U.S.A!
Thanks Papa. All your grandchildren love you and their Mama very much.
I’m sure Gelli will continue to do well in school. All the love and the care that you and your family shower on her is evident in how confident she carries herself.
I may not be her Mom but like you my heart is just overflowing with happiness at this new phase in her life.
Aw. Thanks for stopping by Reng!
Gelli misses you! I love that you love her.
xoxo
she’s enjoying school! wtg gelliboom! mwuah!
Thanks Tita Kathy! xoxo
crying!! my heart is full!! gelli is such a wonderful little girl and i am sure she will learn so much from her teacher and classmates and they will learn so much from her too.
Thanks Nevs. Thank you for sharing in our joys and celebrations. Looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
I’m so proud of my inaanak! Love you Gelli!
Thank you Ninang.
You know Gelli loves you so much too!
Awwwww Diego is really such a sweetheart. I am so proud of Gellibean! She’s such a spectacular little girl!
Thanks Pat.
I think Diego really has such a soft spot for his baby sister.
Come and play with us soon, kay?
So very proud of Gellibean! She has an amazing future ahead!
Thank you Josh!
We are all so proud of her. God willing, she will continue to amaze us all!!
Gelli looks right at home in her classroom. You can tell she really loves it. And I love how protective Diego is. All your children have such kind souls…
Oh Van,
How I wish we still lived down the road from each other. Gelli would be so at home in your house as well.
Your inaanak has a big heart when it comes to his baby sister…I think he gets that from you.
Love you.
Happy to see Gelli start school. I wish this sweetest girl all the best as she starts her new life adventure. And more blessings to her loving and supportive family, too!
Thanks Tita Ivy!
Gelli misses you and Bibsy. Hopefully, we can see each other soon!
I am so proud of my youngest Granddaughter! I love you so much Evangelina!