Zoya's First (unofficial) Day of Preschool

Okay so dropping her off was maybe the hardest thing I've EVER done...I'm talking harder than our entire adoption process (okay so maybe I'm being dramatic but I do feel like I left a piece of my heart in that preschool room this morning). Zoya did fabulous. She woke up and I told her she was going to school! She clapped and patted her chest and said "Zoya" (more like row-row these days lol), then signed "school" and then signed "home." If you're a Signing Time fan like us and you've seen the "School" episode they always sing a song about going home at the end so I was thrilled to know in my heart she knew she'd be coming back home and I wouldn't be leaving her there forever. Since this is the first time that we've left her somewhere else, I worry that she will be scared and wonder why I left. Hopefully she understands she will be coming home...I think she does. Her teacher's name is Miss Anna and Zoya signed "banana" every time I told her she was going to see miss Anna.  I guess Zoya has already made up a sign for her teacher haha.

Anyways, I put her backpack on (which only had her happy pillow-just in case-a change of clothes, a few pull-ups, and her snack) and she just about fell over it was so heavy for her! LOL. I was shaking as I pulled out of the driveway and kept thinking "Is it too late to un-sign-her-up for preschool???" We got to the school and Zoya squealed with excitement...she has been to school many times to visit me and a couple times for preschool visits-and she loves it there. She walked into her classroom all by herself like a big girl while I snuck some photos and tried not to cry. I walked in with her gave her a hug and kiss and reminded her to be a good girl so she can watch Elmo. There were 4 boys playing already and she joined right in. I stepped out to sign her in and she followed me out. Her teacher told her to say goodbye to mama. She said bye and waved, blew a kiss, walked into the classroom and closed the door behind her! I'd say she was ready!!

Tears welled up in my eyes as I walked away. I tried to hold it together until I got out of the building and was mostly successful with the exception of one little tear that just couldn't wait. I called Shawn when I got in the car and cried :( I cried the whole 2 minute drive home and I'm still crying now!  What is wrong with me???Looking back from when we brought Zoya home, she is a different child. She has overcome so much. She is so strong and brave to have been through all she has and still have such a love for life. So being able to get to this point is a huge milestone for her. From belly crawling and being ignored in the orphanage to walking proudly all by herself into a preschool classroom where she will learn and make friends....well it just seems impossible to have come this far in such a short amount of time!

And can it seriously only be 9:37?? I feel like I dropped her off hours ago! Watching the clock until noon!  I hope she is doing okay!!

It is very strange sitting here in this quiet house all alone. I haven't been alone in this house for over 10 minutes since Zoya came home! What in the world did I do with all my time before Zoya???? I guess I will go vacuum...2 hours and 16 minutes until pick up!!!