Riley's 1st Day of Preschool - September 7

Wow - can we say God is good? His timing is always so perfect!

Well, He showed up in this situation...

Breakfast before school

Riley had been on the waiting list at Covenant Preschool since March and she was 5th in line with 4 students in front of her. I called 2 weeks before school started to check and see if there had been any progress and the secretary said she was at the same spot. I was a little disappointed. Once she started speech therapy our therapist had told us she would probably do really well if she was in a school type setting, around her peers. Well, what could I do but wait. I even called several other schools - that I wasn't thrilled about sending her to - to check and see what their waiting list was like. No luck.

The girls with Nana

The bookbag

Let me just say, to be honest, this was one of those situations that I probably tried to handle on my own. I don't know if I ever really prayed "Lord open the door for Riley to get into preschool. I know it would be good for her." I think I probably just took care of it myself - thinking that even if she didn't get in until January, that would be better than nothing. Looking back, I realize that God knew the cry of my heart, even if I never uttered the words to Him. He was still watching out for me and for Riley in particular.

Riley with her bestie - Rainey Grace

So, I got a call about 1 1/2 weeks before school started. "We have an opening for Riley if you would still like it?" "The fill-in assistant teacher (who will be with the class for the first 6 weeks) is a retired Speech Pathologist in Pitt County."

Me and my girl

Really?? YES, WE WILL TAKE THE SPOT!!! I cried on the phone telling the secretary exactly what we had been through this summer - with Riley's speech. I told her how our speech therapist and our Pediatrician had both recommended her being in a preschool type setting, amongst her peers, in hopes that she would be influenced to talk more. How both professionals said if she is with someone who can't understand her (like I do) all the time, she would probably be forced to verbalize more.

Big sis helping her out

This small thing, getting into preschool, was more than just that for me. It was a reafirmming time to me, that my God, even though He deals with a lot of stuff that seems more important than preschool or delayed speech, STILL CARES FOR ME! He loves me enough to not make Riley wait until January (when I thought she might have a better chance of getting in). He loves her enough, to start her out at the beginning of the year, with her class. He loves her enough to put her in a classroom with a professional in the field of speech! Wow, really???? My God is able!!

Coloring at the table

So, Riley has been in class for 3 weeks now. I am absolutely thrilled about both of her teachers. After talking to Mrs. Nancy (the main teacher) I found out that she had a child with delayed speech as well. She understands the frustrations and the energy it takes to read between the unspoken words of a 2 year old. She even went out and bought some flash cards with different pictures on them so Riley could point to something if she was having a particularly difficult time trying to communicate. AMAZING!

I haven't seen a ton of progress with Riley yet, but I am being patient. It was also her first time in preschool and I feel in the past 2-3 days she really seems comfortable in her classroom. I'm thrilled! I'm so excited to see what this year will bring and the progress Riley will make. To God be the Glory for this season in Riley's life! He will remain faithful to her and I know we will see only good come out of this!

Proud Mommy! 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I KNOW the plans I HAVE FOR YOU," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."