One Crazy Week

As you know from my post a few days ago, Leland started preschool this week. The first day went really well. He was excited to go and seemed to have a fun day. Since then, things have been a little rough. Not terrible, but not easy.

Leland seems to have fun at school. When I peek in on him (usually at least twice a day...I can't help it), he is usually giggling and having fun. But in the mornings, he doesn't want to go. We get to his classroom and he starts crying that he wants to leave. It breaks my heart, because although he would sometimes cry when I dropped him off at daycare, it was only right as I was leaving. Now he cries immediately upon walking in. But, like I said, he seems to have fun during the day, and he doesn't want to leave at the end of the day.

The other day, I peeked in on him while he was having snack. He was laughing and being silly with his friend, Sal. Upon looking a little more closely, I noticed that he was eating a doughnut. Apparently, Sal gave Leland one of his doughnuts, which is a bit of a no-no, because they're not supposed to share food (which is a policy in my classroom as well). When one of their teachers talked to them about not sharing food, Leland very innocently said, "But I like doughnuts." Oh, the little cuties.

So, drop offs have been rough, but I like that I can spy on him a few times a day and just see how he's doing.

Alden started his new daycare on Tuesday. We talked to and visited a number of daycares, but none of them seemed like the right fit, or else they didn't have a full time opening. Then my co-worker shared her daycare provider's information. We met with her and it went great so Alden started the next day.

He has been doing well. A few tears when I drop him off, but he calms down quickly. He does the same thing at the church nursery, and just needs some cuddling to feel better. I'm glad that he's adjusting well.

This daycare is a little bit out of the way. Not terrible, but not as close to school as Julie, so my commute has increased by about 10 minutes. That's been a little tough for me. In the mornings, I feel so rushed to get out of the house and to work on time, and in the evenings, I feel anxious to just get home and hug my babies. My days have felt extra long this week (Contrary to most public school teachers who work about 7.5-8 hour days, GTA teachers work 9 hour days. Then add the commute and we're away from home over 10 hours every day.)

Funny thing, I was so nervous about Alden's transition and I had no concerns about Leland. But after this week, I'm the opposite: worried about Leland and confident that Alden is just fine. I'm thankful today is Friday, and I can spend some much needed time with my babies this weekend. My heart needs it and I'm pretty sure theirs do too.

Chivalry Is Not Dead...

Sometimes I wish I lived in a time when men were gentlemen. When they opened doors for women, paid the tab, and defended a lady's honor without being reminded. Like it was just the thing to do.

Dave does some gentlemanly (pretty sure I just made up that word) things sometimes, but it's not exactly a regular thing after over a decade together. But so many men have completely forgotten - or were never shown - how to be a gentleman.

I plan to teach my sons how to be gentlemen. To cherish women and treat them with respect, and to put women first.

Well, my friends, it appears that Leland has already learned how to take care of a lady. A few days ago, I was picking Leland up from daycare, and my friend Sarah was picking up her daughter. She told me that Leland stuck up for her daughter that day. Then Julie told me about it.

Apparently, one girl bit Sophie (Sarah's daughter), and Leland - who adores Sophie (or "Fophie" as he calls her) - took it upon himself to defend her. By pulling the other girl's hair.

I have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, it was really sweet to hear that Leland cared so much about Sophie and wanted to take care of her. It was somewhat chivalrous of him, and that makes me proud. On the other hand, you can't defend one girl by beating up another. Don't be jerk, man.

Humbled...

Last week, we found out we needed to find a new daycare. While we found a new daycare quickly, there were a few days this week that there wasn't space for Alden.

I wasn't really sure what to do. Technically, we could have taken Alden to Mindy's, but I just felt like if we're going to be done there, we just needed to be done. And Mindy had been struggling with the two babies, so I didn't want her to have to deal with that any more than necessary. 

So I was a little stressed about what to do. Thankfully, I have some amazing friends and family members in my life who offered to help us. 

My sister-in-law, Melinda, took him on Monday and said she could take him other days if needed. My mother-in-law offered to take him on Tuesday, but we didn't end up needing her because Julie had space. And my friend, Emily, offered to take him Thursday and Friday. Again, we didn't end up needing her because Julie had space (which didn't matter anyway because Thursday and Friday were both snow days).

I had other friends offer to help if we needed it. They actually offered to take days off work to watch my kid(s) since I am out of days in my leave bank and Dave doesn't get paid days off. 

I am beyond grateful and humbled that people are willing to help us out in these types of situations. It may not seem like much to them, but to me - to know my baby is safe with someone who cares about him, so that I can focus on teaching - it's a huge deal. Saying thank you doesn't seem like enough.

Sometimes in life, it's easy to get caught up in all the responsibilities and feel a little alone. Alone in your problems/conflicts. This week I was reminded that I am not alone. Dave and I are not alone. We have amazing friends and family members that are there for us through it all. 

This week also reminded me the impact an act of kindness can have on someone's day. I am reminded to think of others first and offer help when I am able. 

I've been touched by acts of kindness this week. And it reminds me to continue spreading kindness to others. 

First Few Days...

We've now had two days at our new daycare, and I am beyond thrilled with how things are going.

I was really worried about how Leland would transition to a new place. I knew he would have fun, but I was worried he would be scared at drop off or have a hard time the first few days. That has not been the case so far.

Yesterday, when I dropped him off, he walked right in to play and didn't care at all that I was leaving. My friend/co-worker, Sarah, told me that when she dropped her daughter off a few minutes later, Leland was playing and acting as though he had always been at Julie's. Julie texted me throughout the day letting me know how he was doing. She said he played great, had fun with the other kids, and ate great as well.

When I picked him up, he was in a great mood, and on the way home, he kept saying, "Nee Nee happy." (Nee Nee is what he calls himself.)

Today, Alden was able to join him at Julie's, and they both had a great day again. Again, Julie texted me throughout the day to let me know how they were doing. She also sent me pictures. Julie said that Alden did well, and she said she got some good cuddle time with Leland. Leland is a very active boy; he loves to run and play and explore. But he also really enjoys one-on-one time - reading, rocking, snuggling, etc. So I am glad that he is getting lots of play time as well as some down time.

I was most worried about how the first couple of days would go, and aside from Leland being a little extra tired in the evenings, it seems things are going very well. I think he's tired just from the change in general - he may be enjoying his new surroundings, but I imagine it's still somewhat exhausting and stressful to be somewhere new and trying to figure things out. On the plus side, he slept until 6:30 this morning, instead of 5:45 like he's been trying to do the last few weeks. And I can handle a little crabbiness. I'm glad he's happy during the day.

I am so thankful for how well Leland (and Alden) are taking this change. I was so nervous, but as with most things, I was more worried than I needed to be. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the week goes.

Stressful Few Days...

...But at least the week seems to be ending well.

Tuesday morning, when I was dropping the boys off at daycare, I got the news that we needed to find a new daycare. Mindy, our daycare provider, said that she was having a difficult time with two infants and she didn't feel she could meet everyone's needs. And since the other infant there is her grandson, that left us needing to find care elsewhere.

Initially, I was really angry. Then I was sad. I cried a lot on Tuesday. The mama bear in me was worried about Leland's transition to a new place - he has already experienced so much change in the last few months - and I was livid that she let it go this long. That she didn't make this decision sooner.

The more I have thought about it, the less angry I have become. Because, quite honestly, we saw this coming. We knew she was struggling, and we knew that if a choice had to be made it wouldn't be us. And I know the reason she waited so long was because she really wanted to make it work - she didn't want it to come to this.

Dave and I have been feeling for a little while now that perhaps this wasn't the best place for our family. Not that we don't love Mindy and not that there's anything wrong with the daycare, but for reasons I will not share here, it's just not the right fit for our family anymore. However, because of our relationship with her, and because we didn't want to put Leland through that transition, we were hoping to make it until summer. So, really, Mindy was just the one that was brave enough to say it first.

So Tuesday I was freaking out. I searched for daycares online and couldn't believe the cost of some centers - $400 a week for 2 kids? I don't make much more than that (anyone who thinks teachers are overpaid is delusional).

I asked friends for suggestions via Facebook (thank goodness for social media), and several friends responded. But it was really hard thinking about taking my boys to someone I didn't know. 

Then I got a message from Julie, Leland's old daycare provider, saying she had openings (or would soon). He went to her for about 6 weeks when he was itty bitty. We loved her and she adores Leland. We left when Mindy had an opening because she was like a second mom to Dave - her son and Dave were best friends for years - and she lived 30 seconds away. We didn't want to make the switch, but how do you turn down someone that's practically family?

So anyway, when Julie said she had room for my boys, I didn't need to look any further. Like I said, we loved her. She is so loving and the general feeling you get at her home is cozy, loving, and friendly. What I loved when we went there before was that the kids all really seemed to love each other. They may have their little spats, but they mostly seemed to get along really well. I think that says a lot about Julie and the environment she creates.

I'm still pretty nervous about Leland's transition. Even though he's been to other daycares, Mindy's is the only one he really knows. I worry about taking him that first day (or week) and him being confused or scared. But I know that Julie will do everything she can to help him adjust. Once the shock wears off, I know he will love it. 

I'm excited that there will be more kids Leland's age. There is a girl 6 months older, a boy a few months older, and a boy a few months younger. There's another girl too, but I don't know how old she is. Right now, Leland spends his day with two older girls and two babies, so he's like the middle child with no one to play with. And with him being so social, that's probably a little difficult for him. 

Although I was angry at first, and this situation is somewhat stressful, I think that it's for the best, and I look forward to them starting with Julie. She has one opening right now, and one in a week or two, so Leland will be starting on Monday, and Alden will start soon after.

First Time For Everything...

Today, I got a phone call at work. A phone call that I've never had before, but one that I knew would happen eventually. The one that says, "Leland is running a fever and you need to pick him up."

Today was my first time having to leave school in the middle of the day to get Leland from daycare. I got the call at about 11:55, and it took some time to get someone to cover my classroom and for me to get some plans together for her. Oh yeah, and to get Courtney's keys, because we carpool together and she drove today! {Don't worry. She has a ride home. If not, I would have just gone back to get her at 4:30.} I left school at about 12:30, and got to daycare at around 12:50.

For about the last week, Leland has been turning away when offered a bottle at daycare. Sometimes he cries too. We thought it might be teething last week, since he cut two teeth. But today, with the added fever, and other symptoms, we thought maybe an ear infection.

So I took Leland to the doctor. His ears look good {Thank goodness. I had terrible ear infections as a baby, and had tubes in twice. I'm hoping Leland doesn't take after me!}. His throat looked a little red, but he tested negative for strep. So the verdict is that it's just a virus, and we have to wait it out.

Once we got home, Leland nursed {and nursed, and nursed} and then fell asleep. Hoping lots of sleep and lots of nursing will help him feel better by tomorrow.

Three Days...

...left of school! Well, technically four, because Monday is a teacher work day. But Friday is the last day with students.

Part of me {most of me} is so excited for the end of the school year, because it means more time with my baby. But another part of me is heartbroken about Leland having to leave Julie's daycare.

Sometimes being an adult and making responsible choices is really hard and emotionally painful. Being a grown-up is sucky sometimes.

But...still yay that summer is just a few days away!

Tough Decision...

In the last couple of weeks, Dave and I have been mulling over a very difficult decision. We had to finally come to a conclusion this week, but we're not entirely happy about it.

The company Dave works for is slowly running out of work. About a month ago, Dave was laid off for a few days; nothing major, but it was the first time he had been laid off in several years. MAC has always managed to have work when everyone else in town was struggling, but it seems their luck is running out. After Dave finishes the job he's on right now, they have nothing else in the works, and Dave isn't sure if they ever will.

Because of this, we weren't sure that we could afford daycare this summer for the two days a week that are required to hold Leland's spot for the fall. I plan to work 1-2 days a week this summer, but I will be working in the complete opposite direction of daycare. For you locals, daycare is right near GTA, and I will be working in Honor. This means I have to drive about 20 minutes in one direction, then turn around and drive about 35 minutes in the opposite direction {passing my house again}.

Dave will likely be able to do some work with friends, but it won't be full time, so we may not even need daycare at all on the days I'm working. But if we do...

One of our neighbors, and a close family friend, has a home daycare. She didn't have infant openings when we were looking, but she let me know recently that she will have room for Leland if we needed. I wasn't sure; I love Julie so much, but I knew I couldn't take him to her this summer. I told Julie and she was very understanding, and even said she would work with us about the fall so that he could come back. The only problem is that if he goes somewhere else this summer, I don't want to have to switch again in the fall. I hate making my baby go through all these changes, and it's just not fair to him. It's also not fair for Julie to hold his spot when that's not her policy. Super nice of her? Absolutely! But it makes me feel guilty, like we'd be taking advantage of her.

So, after much thought, prayer, and discussion, we decided that after school is out, Leland will switch to Mindy's. Mindy is Dave's childhood best friend's mom. He has known her for over 15 years and she's like a second mom to him. I have known her for over 10 years, and we both know that she is a great daycare provider.

I have no concerns about Leland going there. Mindy is wonderful and I know she will take great care of my boy. I'm just so sad about having to say goodbye to Julie. She loves Leland, and so do all the kids that go there. One girl even tells me this every day when we leave. She'll tell me, "Leland is the cutest baby," or yell out the window as we're leaving, "I love Leland!" And Leland loves it there too. It's even harder knowing how attached he is to Julie, and her to him. I've worked in daycare and preschool before and I know how strong the bond between a caregiver and child can be. I feel like a terrible person for doing this to both of them {Julie and Leland}.

I know that the decision we're making is the right one for our family; we have to think about our finances. But that doesn't mean it's easy. I'm bummin'...like major.

More About Daycare...

I posted on Monday about Leland's first day at daycare. I was so happy to receive a few e-mails that day letting me know how he was doing.

Well, yesterday was even better. Julie e-mailed me pictures of his day! Oh, I can't tell you the joy I felt when I peeked at my computer and saw an e-mail with pictures. Such fun! And my students loved it too! They all crowded around my computer, saying "Awwwww!"

She also posted some pictures on facebook, which was cool for all of my friends and family members to see the fun he has at daycare. When Leland was at Niki's, she offered to send me pictures on my phone during the day, but I can't get pictures on my phone {because I still live in the dark ages}, so this is just fantastic.

Here are a couple of pictures from Julie's...

Leland with his daycare friends and Julie's daughter reading a story. He was surrounded by beatiful girls yesterday.

 

My little thumb-sucker in his tough guy monster truck shirt. :)

First Day of Daycare {Again}...

Today was Leland's first day at his new daycare, and it seemed to go very well.

What I loved about today was that Julie e-mailed me throughout the day, letting me know how he was doing. Every so often, I would check my computer and see an e-mail from her saying he just went down for nap, or he just finished his bottle. She said he was very snuggly, which, of course, I already knew. But I'm glad he's snuggly and happy with her too.

I also love that his new daycare is so close to my school. I used to leave school at 4:30 and not get home until 5:30 {okay, part of this is because Niki and I would chat too much}, but today I was home just a few minutes after 5:00, which meant more time with my sweet one.

It's still going to take some adjustment to get used to a new daycare, and we miss Niki, but I think we found a great place. Julie is so nice and I can tell that she loves what she does. I have a feeling we'll be very happy with her.

Relief...

This last week has been very stressful for me. Looking for daycares with infant openings that I would even consider sending my child has been difficult. Thankfully, the search is over. I called several daycares, but many did not have infant openings, and the ones that did, I wasn't entirely sure about.

Today, Dave and I went to visit Julie, who has a home daycare and her only clients are my co-workers' kids. Almost everyone at my school takes their kids to her: both principals, teachers, etc. and they all highly recommend her. Everyone just loves her, so I was excited that she had an infant opening.

Julie was so nice and I feel really good about sending my sweet babe to her. One really cool thing about her daycare is that some of the kids there are part-time, so she isn't really full. One day a week, she will only have Leland and one other child; three days a week, there will be 2-3 other children. On Fridays, she will have six kids, but some of them are older {GTA students} that will only be there in the afternoon. I feel like Leland will get a lot of attention and get snuggled just about as much as he wants.


Leland has two more weeks with Niki, and then he'll go to Julie for the last five weeks of school. He may go some this summer, depending on if/where I get a part-time job. But for now, I'm just glad we have the end of the school year covered.

Aw, crap...

When I found out my friend Niki was for sure going to be Leland's daycare provider, I was so excited. It was hard to imagine sending my baby off to someone I didn't know personally. When he first started daycare, it took some adjusting, but he did even better than I expected him to do. And every week, he just keeps doing better and better.

Today, after being sick and away from daycare last week, I was worried he would have a rough day. But he did awesome. Slept great, ate great, and was in a happy mood. My heart was so happy.

Was.

Niki gave me the unfortunate news today that she is closing her daycare as of May 4th. She was offered a job with some great benefits that she just couldn't turn down. I totally understand and am incredibly happy for her. But I am so sad that he won't be there anymore. Things were going so well, and I trust Niki.

We have a daycare in our neighborhood, and the woman is actually Dave's friend's mom. I called her tonight to see if she could take Leland, but she doesn't have any infant openings. Ugh.

I went online to the 4C (Child Care Connections) website and got a list of daycares in our area. The first person on the list is a woman who a lot of my co-workers take their kids to. So I called her, thinking there's probably no way she has any infant openings, but she does! I'm going to meet her on Friday afternoon and hopefully it will work out. Everyone I know loves her, so I'm sure it will be fine. And thankfully, we really only need her for about 5.5 weeks and then I'm on summer vacation.

I know it will all turn out okay, but I just need a day or two to be sad.

First Week at Daycare...

Leland started daycare this week. On Monday, he went to my in-law's house, but on Tuesday, he started at ou friend Niki's daycare, Sweet Peas in a Pod.

I was so worried that Leland would be a stinker for Niki. He loves to be held all the time, which she obviously can't do since she has other kids there. And I worried that he wouldn't sleep for her and would just cry and cry the whole time. I called and/or texted Niki every day this week to check on him.

Let me tell you, folks. He had a GREAT week! He did better than I expected he would do. He napped on his own! Niki said she would let him "cry it out," but not for more than five minutes {which is the same thing I do at home}. The first day, he cried off and on, but after that, he slept fine.

The only issue with sleep that I've seen is that he doesn't sleep as much as he did when he was home. He used to sleep a total of 3-4 hours during the day, but now he's only sleeping about 2 hours during the day. He takes a short little catnap in the morning, and a longer nap in the afternoon. So he's really tired at night and goes to sleep for the night at about 7:00. But I think after some more time, he will get used to napping even more and nap better. I just worry about him getting enough sleep, because that can really hinder his growth and development, and it's hard to know how much sleep he needs because I don't know if I'm supposed to consider him 12 weeks old or 6 weeks old.

Leland is a popular little dude at his daycare. There are three little girls that are two years and older and they just LOVE him. When I picked him up one day, one of the girls kept saying, "Baby's cute! Baby's cute!" and pointing at him. Niki's daughter is four years old and likes to help feed him. And Niki also has two older sons who, when they get home from school, like to help out. One boy is a fifth grader and just wants to hold Leland all the time. So Leland is definitely getting a lot of attention.

Overall, I am thrilled with his first week at daycare. Niki is a great caregiver and I know he's being taken care of. I had fears that his first day/week would be just nonstop crying and he and Niki would both be miserable, but it wasn't. This week surpassed my expectations, and now I just pray that it continues this way and his sleep gets better.

On a somewhat related note, I am super excited because this week I only have to work 4.5 days, and then I'm off with him for 9.5 days in a row {spring break...YAY!}.