First Day of Preschool for One, Flu for Another, Immunizations for the Rest

Liam officially started preschool yesterday. Because of speech and behavioral delays he qualifies for free preschool, four days a week. I've been hesitant and sad to send him. He's my baby, so little, and I didn't send any of the other kids to preschool. I love and value those years before school, but recognize that he needs help I can't give him. We visited the class on Wednesday and it helped to settle most of my fears. He is in a classroom at the district's early childhood center with eight other children. They have two teacher, Miss Jill and Miss Janie, at all times, and then a third person in the room is rotated between the speech pathologist and the occupational therapist. The class is a mixed classroom with only part of the children having IEPs. He'll go for a few hours in the morning, four days a week.
Thursday morning we headed to school for the first day without Mom. He was fine until it was our turn in the carpool lane. As they helped him out of the car, here came the tears and cries of "NO, NO." I drove away with an assurance that they would call if he continued to be upset. A couple of hours later, I picked up a smiling, happy to see me three year old. As we drove away, I asked him what he did that day. I got a jabbering, full of hand motions and sounds effects answer. What a relief!
Adria and Colin had yearly doctor's visits as well. Each had to have several booster shots and immunizations including this year's flu shot. Both came away with sore arms. Liam also had a test to check the levels of his peanut allergy. Love that blue, restraining papoose! My boys are so strong it has been needed anytime blood is drawn or stitches given.
We headed home after the exams to find that Eva came home from the bus crying. Andrew was home with her and tried to determine what was wrong only to get mumbling and more crying. She quickly fell asleep only to wake up an hour or so later vomiting and complaining of body aches. My sweet, little angel remained sick through the night and was left exhausted today. I think she's on the mend as she just asked what was for dinner. I gave her the choices I've planned for this week and she asked if we could have chicken and mashed potatoes as "That will make me feel better."
As a parent, the old adage 'when it rains it pours' is always appropriate. Thank goodness for the weekend!