Mini Milestone@ Gymboree

Last Saturday, I decided to let Elyssa try out the next level of her Gymboree classes. (meant for >3 years old. Afterall, she turns 3 in less than 3 weeks). Main difference for these classes is that parents are not supposed to accompany the kids. Huge difference indeed! Also, it's arranged in such a way that there are 3 back to back classes - Play class, then Music class, then Art class. Almost 3 hours in total.

The night before, hubby and I started giving her pep talks - about how she's going to a "big girl" class now, how it's similar to cousin Justin koko's school, that mummy and daddy won't be there etc etc.

On Saturday morning, she was a little apprehensive when we reached the centre. I told the instructors I will only try out Play and Music, since 3 classes back to back might be a little too much at one time.

She said "bye bye" to me then walked calmly into her class...................BUT I was struggling hard to blink back my tears! Tears were rolling down my face when I went to the washroom. *Sigh*, it was one of those "my baby girl is growing up so fast" moments. (Yup, I'm definitely emotional when it comes to my princess. Reminded me of my first day back at work after maternity leave - 3 month old Elyssa was calm when I handed her to her "Ah Kong", but I started bawling my eyes out. Gosh! I'm gonna be an absolutely nervous wreck when she starts real school, or has her first concert etc !!!)

Needless to say, I was as nervous as can be for the next hour or so. I knew she was familiar with her Gymboree class, but she had never been unaccompanied before. (plus I've seen how she searches for me when she can't see me in her previous classes).
I kept glancing at my watch and checking my phone to see if there were calls from the instructors. What if she won't stop crying???

Halfway through the second class, I couldn't stand it anymore and decided to have a peek. The instructor told me: "Don't worry... She's perfectly alright! She didn't cry at all and she's following the class well". PHEW! Mummy is definitely a worry wart!!
Since she was alright, I decided to let her go for the 3rd class after all.

At the end of the 3 hours, she happily ran towards me with a big grin on her face, proudly showing off her paper bus made during Art class.

Mummy - look at my bus!!

So, my little princess went through 3 hours of class on her own for the very first time. No fuss, no tears (err... on her part. I failed!).

I am mighty proud of her!