Our meeting at Kayla's school last night went very well. It was great to see a glimpse into Kayla's day - her little world away from home. There were a couple pictures of Kayla up on the walls of her doing different activities. She looked very happy in the photos. It was great to meet some other parents and hear that they had heard Kayla's name from their children. Her teacher told us that the other kids like to help Kayla. Come to find out that she is the youngest in the class (only one other child born in '04). We also found out another little girl that she plays with a lot. It was really good for me to hear about their typical Montessori day and even better for J as this is his first experience with Montessori and preschool even. I attended a Montessori preschool and I can picture the classroom (whether it's an accurate memory is a different story). I have memories of circle time and friends and my teachers. It was wonderful to see pictures of Kayla in circle time and doing work - things I did in my Montessori days. J had been hesitant about preschool - but seeing Kayla thriving and having fun (and learning) and seeing more of what the Montessori philosophy is about, has helped him get more excited about her experiences there.

I was also able to see just how diligent her teacher is with Kayla's allergy. She told me that Tuesday, a Mom brought in cupcakes for a birthday and the teacher did not know she was doing this. So unfortunately, there were no cupcakes for Kayla. But she said Kayla was happy with the cookies I had in her snack box for just this occasion. She also got some juice which made her happy. She also had me check the fish food (for Freddy) to see if it was safe. Kayla's turn came up to feed him and she did not let her touch the food until I checked it to be safe. She checked it against the ingredients list I gave her but she wanted my verification. It made us feel good to see her really taking it all seriously. I also was able to get the class list which has the birthdays listed - so I'll send cupcakes in on those kids birthdays.

I knew there was a kid with a peanut allergy in her class and I also found out that there is one with an egg allergy. Always good to know, b/c as much as I can I will bring things in that are safe for all. Even though, as a Food Allergy Mom, I know most likely they will not be allowed to eat what I bring, I feel better knowing it's not dangerous.

Speaking of which, I spoke to her teacher about Halloween. She said that the party is not one with food around. She said they have their normal snack time and then they give treat bags to the kids to take home with treats in them. So, it is not the type of party to be concerned about as I initially thought - what a relief. That being said, she said that I am welcome to attend and that most Moms don't, but there will be one other Mom there to help. So...I have already lined up babysitting for Alysa, so I will be attending. I'm very excited to help with the party as I want to be as involved as I can be. She also said I would be welcome to provide a snack that is safe for Kayla and the class. My goal is to go dairy, peanut/tree nut and egg free. I will post here what I end up doing once I decide.

All the kids had done a self-portrait to be on display last night. It really showed that Kayla was the youngest, as hers had no resemblance of a person and most of the others were obviously human-like. Her self-portrait is now hanging on her wall of art in our kitchen. I will have to take a pic and post it here later...