The daycare is great, the staff are wonderful, and the women in the infant room have both been there for 2 years, giving me faith that Charles will be able to attach to one or both of them, rather than having a revolving-door of caretakers. And yet. I still wonder if I am doing the right thing.
The other side, of course, is that I want him to experience life, to not be attached to my hip for years, to love trying new things without fear. This is a first step, and it will make the transition to school and overnights with grandparents that much easier in the future. He might learn to be a bit more self-reliant (although he is already showing quite a bit of this, beginning to put himself to sleep in his crib all alone, spending time playing while I vacuum 0r dust, and more). He will probably have a lot of fun playing with new toys. And, he is fascinated by other children, so he'll get a chance to be around them. I anticipate some colds in the next few weeks, but it is good to challenge his immune system, and I have never been one who believes in sheltering a child from germs. As Tony says, the kids who never get sick are the ones who eat dirt. The kids who are always sick are the ones whose moms wipe their hands with antibacterial wipes all the time.
Anyhow, what will I do with my five hours? Besides worry about my baby, I mean... Well, first I will get my hair cut (long overdue) and then I will go to work at Goodwinds, where I will frantically do as much as possible on the marketing before taking a 15-minute break to pump breastmilk and then head off to my other job at the Chamber until 4:45, at which point I will head back to the daycare to pick up Charles. It's a constant go-go-go around here.
In a couple of months, maybe sooner, I will add Wednesday afternoons to our daycare schedule (currently only Tuesday and Thursday) so I can do even more work. Businesses don't run themselves, you know.
I'll let you all know how the first day of daycare goes. Until then, wish me luck.
Gratuitous photo of Charles using Tony's ears as handlebars:
3 comments:
I'll be thinking of both of you. I'm sure Charles will take to daycare beautifully, and you are right, he will be a more adjusted kiddo because of it. Enjoy your "you" time!
I feel your angst. I am taking Michael and Jenna to day care for the first time on Friday. In Michael's 2+ years of life, he has only ever been babysat by family.
We did a "trial run" yesterday; I took Michael and Jenna to the place and stayed there with them for about an hour to see how they would do in the environment. Michael took to it beautifully and cried when we had to leave. For his age group, it's structured a lot like pre-school, which I think is great.
I'm more worried about Jenna, since she is... well, let's say "challenging."
The thing we must remember is that Charles and Jenna will be fine. It will certainly be a different experience for them, but it's important for them to get used to other people. Plus, they're so young, they won't remember any of this. : )
I have always believed it is in the mom's reaction to new situations that the kids pick up vibes. If you see it as part of the routine, I think they accept it easier than if you are so anxious about it, it consumes your reaction. Sounds like a new opportunity and all three of you (Kelli, Carol, and Amelia) are smart gals who have thought about this a long time and will plan well. The kids will be fine too. Course this comes from a mom who mostly always worked. If I had had the chance to stay at home, I wouldn't have done the great job Joe did. It was better for me to work. Best trade off for us. You have to find your best trade.
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