JJ's 1st Day of Croatian Kindregarten

I think my brother was referencing my blog recently when he wrote on Facebook, "I don't read your "book" much anymore."  So, in an effort to keep this more interesting and enticing to my brother, so that he'll read about our lives again, I'll keep this short and sweet!  (o.k. that's probably a lie, but I'll try!!)

For those who are sick of hearing about other peoples' kids 1st Days of Kindergarten and looking at all the pictures on Facebook of their kids in backpacks, this is not the post for you.  But, for those who are interested, it was sort of a big day in the Scott household yesterday - JJ's 1st day of Croatian Kindergarten! 

It started the night before, when JJ got a haircut, and took a shower, and he even let me pick out a collared shirt for his first day.  At first he protested, "NOT a collared shirt mom!"  That was when we had a conversation about 1st impressions.  I could tell in his submitting to this, that he knew it was a special day. 

Then yesterday morning, when he woke up, Dave said he would make him anything he wanted (within reason) for breakfast for the special day.  So, JJ asked for pancakes with nutella and a fruit smoothie.  And so it was done:

Then, he held his very important sign up for some special pictures outside:

We then arrived at the school, and I was definitely feeling emotional as we approached the building.  JJ seemed to be completely fine.  He was nothing but excited to go to school.  He even said to us, "Mom and Dad, I really don't want to be late today."  We knew he was filled with anticipation!

Starting one's first day of Kindergarten is a big day for any kid, but this felt different because he was starting in a new school (different from last year) and in a Croatian school where he will be learning 1/2 the day in Croatian and 1/2 the day in English, hopefully progressing toward 100% Croatian by the end of the year.

But, he seemed to be feeling no anxiety about this at all.  When we arrived at his building, and found his classroom, he walked right into the "shoe" area and put on his favorite Spiderman crocs or as they are called in Croatian, "papuče" (meaning slippers).  In Croatia, kids where "slippers" not their "outside" shoes in the classroom.  They only put their "outside" shoes on, you guessed it, when they go outside.  It keeps everything much cleaner inside!  After his slippers were on, he walked right into his classroom and almost forgot to say goodbye to us!  No tears, no hesitation, no worries. 

Even though his first day went like this, we do know that being, living and learning in a new culture in a new language can be taxing and hard, so we are determined to keep all communication lines open. 

But for now, I'm thrilled that he is excited!  Yesterday when we picked him up, he was really sad he couldn't stay for lunch with the kids and then for the afternoon.  So, we promised he could today.  He told me this morning that he really likes pouring his own soup.  Soup is a common meal for Croatians, especially in Vrtić (Kindergarten). 

And I just got back from dropping him off at his 2nd day in Croatian Kindergarten, and again he did wonderfully!  Today he asked to bring in a special book to show the other kids.  I watched him walk away with his book in his arms and a "see ya later mom".  Awesome!  I'm so proud of my little guy!