Ukraine Adoption

New school

We walked along the path to the door of Tara's new pre-school this morning, my arms filled with extra clothes and a blanket for rest time, Tara filled with excitement. Her new teacher greated us with a smile and showed us Tara's new cubby and where she will keep her blanket and blue dolphin.

Tara peeked around the corner and saw two of her friends from her former pre-school already there, nestled on the big colorful rug, waiting for their lesson on how much things weigh. I bent over to touch her friend Natalia's hair and give her a reassuring smile. She was sitting very still.

Tara was anxious to join the new class, her new and old friends, so I whispered that it was OK to go and sit down. She walked right over to Natalia and sat beside her, crossing her legs and smiling.

We were sad to leave the former pre-school yesterday, her last day, but I think Tara will adjust fine in her new surroundings.

Adjustment is harder for parents, and I wanted to make sure she was OK when I left. I stood there with my coat on, behind her teacher, trying to get Tara's attenion. She saw me and smiled and gave me a tiny wave. The class was counting little pebbles for their lesson on how much things weigh. These weigh the same amount as this block! her teacher said.

As I finally turned to walk out, I could hear Tara's voice among her friends, counting the pebbles out loud.