Brought to you by the letter X

Else's first Art Project

Daycare was a really weird and unknown world for us since for the past year, she has been with a nanny who we love. I had no idea what went on at day cares. Was she going to come home smelly, dirty, sick, tired and cranky? Were there enough teachers for each of the kids? Do they get enough attention throughout the day? I thought it was a great back up plan if needed, but the whole idea scared the crap out of me.

I could just imagine my little girl crying in a corner all day begging for someone to play with her. The first day was easy since everything was so new to her. She was distracted and barely even noticed when I kissed her and waved good bye. However, by day 2 she didn't want anything to do with daycare. She clung to me, wrapped her arms around her neck tighter than she has ever done before. She had a panic on her face that made me want to take her and run back to the car. The staff there let me know that she would be ok and that I could stop in whenever I wanted to check in. I appreciated their support, but for a short second I wanted to quit my job and go home to be with her.

(Really, who could resist this face?)

I sat at my desk on that second day and couldn't focus on anything. I resisted the urge to run up to the daycare to check on her. Knowing that it would make it worse to have to say good-bye to her again.

When I went in to pick her up, she ran to my arms and was all smiles. She was clean, well rested, and happy. SUCCESS! There was also a report of her day with a sweet note from the teacher: Else did so good today. She read books, sang songs, played with bubbles and made some new friends. We read the book One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish and we are studying the letter X and the color Blue this week.

I have had a few parents and teachers tell me how sweet Else is. Many have commented on her vocabulary and comprehension of words and questions they ask her. It has slowly gotten better with each day. Today when I dropped her off, although she was a little apprehensive, she eventually went off to look at some dolls. She looked up at me and the teacher and said "Bay-bay" and then gave it a hug.

I still wish more than anything that I could be home with her every day. Some people tell me that I am crazy for wishing that and say that I would go stir crazy and would miss the adult conversations and interaction, blah blah blah. I appreciate those ideas.... and no offense, but you're crazy. My baby girl is growing up too fast. If I could stay home with her for the next few years I would do it in a heartbeat.

Daycare is going to be good for her, I know it.

But right now I just wish I could play with Else and her Bay-Bays.