Overnight in Kindergarten

Here's one night we've all been waiting for; tomorrow, May 30, would be a big event in MC's pre-school year -- they, the pre-schoolers, would be spending a night in kindergarten.

This is one night that we've been anticipating with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Because, you see, MC still could not sleep alone. She still needs the presence of one of us, either mama or papa; to lull her to sleep. If we do leave her alone in her room, she would only march into our rooms and sleep with us. Or if we prohibit this action, she would simply cry her heart out and scream until the whole neighborhood would be knocking in our doors or the police would ring our bell (that never happened but you know, I have this feeling it might :D). So we continued to bring her to sleep and leave her alone when she's deep into the dreamland.

Good thing we started prepping her for this 'event' during our long vacation in the Philippines. Since it is a novelty for both kids to be having their own room in all the hotels where we stayed; sleeping alone in their room was a breeze; that was, until the novelty wore off and they demanded our presence again. But at least, we knew sleeping alone could be done.

A month ago, we again told her that all pre-schoolers like her, would soon have to stay overnight in kindergarten. Her reaction? A big NO! Uh-oh, I told my husband to let it go. And then a few days after that, we got the invitation for the overnight. In that letter, they told us what the kids would need, what activities they would do, that there would be surprises. While I was reading the letter to MC, I saw a spark of interest and then a big smile of excitement. I got excited, too.

The kids would need an airbed, a sleeping sack, a pillow, some basic toiletries, and if they want; a stuff toy to cuddle with. MC started preparing those things early on; she even slept on the airbed inside the sleeping bag two nights before the big night. Of course, although I wasnt in the sleeping bag, she begged me to sleep in the same room. Well, I hope she's ready!

And today, I asked her to choose what kind of lotion, shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste she wanted to bring for tomorrow. A little more excitement might work on her enthusiasm, too. She dont want to bring a stuff toy as she's afraid that they would get head lice :D And she packed those things in her backpack, plus a face towel, a bath towel, her pajamas, a couple of undies and a change of clothe, all alone.

She's ready to cook scrambled egg for the group for breakfast, too! I dont know if they would be cooking, though. I guess, she's really ready, I hope.

But you see, she kept on asking me what they would get for dinner; as tradition goes, most German households eat only 'cold' at night -- meaning bread and some cold cuts; and that isnt like that at home. Papa already told her, 'you can call us at home if you wanted to eat warm.' Hahaha, as if that would happen.

Anyway the program would start at 3 pm as they would have to prepare their sleeping quarters. And then they would visit the local fire brigade for a tour and would be treated to a special demo show. Normally, the evening would start with a barbecue party in the woods, accompanied by the whole family of the pre schoolers; and then the kids and their teachers would walk thru the woods into the kindergarten, a way to make them tired and sleepy, you know. But it didnt push thru this year for some reason. And of course, the much awaited surprises would be waiting for them all through out.

I am positive this would be a great time for MC. But we are keeping the telephone tomorrow night beside us, to be sure :D