Natalie's preschool transformation

It's been quite the school year for us. About 9 months ago, Natalie entered 3-year old preschool and Peter entered 4-year old preschool at Regina. Their approach to preschool were complete opposites. Peter embraced and loved it, whereas Natalie was little timid and unsure. We believed she enjoyed it as every now and then, we would catch a smile on her face. As soon as she realized she was smiling, she'd quickly put back on her discontent face.

Much like this one:

This beginning of preschool picture is much like all the pictures caught by Ms. Connie during the year...Natalie didn't give her smiles freely for pictures. On top of that, Natalie rarely spoke in school. For the longest time, my first question at pick-up would be "Did she talk?" and the frequent answer with a hopeful smile was "Not today." Even though she wasn't talking, she told me more about what happened at preschool in the first week than Peter had in a whole year! The girl is an observing learner!

Her character at school was far from what she was at home. She could easily be called our wacky child from all her mannerisms and humor (something she might have discovered during Uncle Jim's visit). When we asked her why she was being shy and not talking at school, her consistent answer would be "When I'm 4-years old, I will talk at school." Promise? "Yes."

Over 6 months later, she turned 4. She opened up a little more at school, but did not completely deliver on her promise. It was a work in progress, so I felt comfortable to not obsessing about it. My question at pick-up from then on was "Did she have a good day?"

This picture gives the answer to that one.