Hellobee

So I am knee-deep in this whole preschool search, and thankfully the search ended as it started because Jujube got into the one a stone’s throw from our new house. But my eyes and ears are open already, so whenever I see something pop up about preschool now I’m interested. Naturally, this article on outdoor preschools caught my attention.

It’s very strange for me because in Thailand, the majority of our life was outside. If I needed to do computer/editing work inside because of the glare, I was still surrounded by windows. It was beautiful and the outdoor sounds were sometimes overpowering!

Then came the half year in the hospital system which was the opposite of natural. Think: completely sterile concrete jungle. I feel like we are finally emerging into a more natural existence because the chaos of the move is subsiding and the weather is warming. Jujube won’t be doing a nature preschool because such a thing doesn’t exist in Michigan within walking distance like this one… I mean, that alignment was beautiful in itself so i’ll take it. But I’ll be hoping to take her and her little brother for walks in the little patch of forest right outside the school and do our own nature education.

I also really understood the part where the article is mentioning how it can be beneficial for all family members. It’s already changing me. Ever since she was born, spending more time outside because I want my kids to has given me much more appreciation for nature myself. I also thought it was funny that the article mentioned Hike it Baby because that’s a meetup site I ended up joining to meet people and get my kids out there. I can definitely see it turning into something great here for us too.

We went for a walk the other day and Jujube got this classic kids’ car from a neighbor who was hoping to pass it along to someone. She was pumped and I was happy that it was a hand-me-down that keeps her interest in the outside going, even if she’s driving around in a plastic car. She has a sweet little wooden bike that her grandparents got her last Christmas and I think will fit her just as the weather gets nice, so that’s exciting as well. I don’t know how kids’ memories work – she says she remembers Thailand but she probably only remembers the hospital phase in Bangkok – none of the natural beauty we had in northern Thailand. But I do know that even what kids can’t remember shapes them. So we can keep giving both our kids outdoor experiences knowing that it has an impact even if it’s one they can’t remember. I’m excited to be creating new memories with Jujube and our son too.