Day Care Changes

We have been extremely lucky to have Nora in an at-home day care with one of our neighbors and friends. She has been going there since I went back to work in November 2011 and has really come to love her time with Miss Laura and the kids.

However, our time has come to an end at Miss Laura's house. And although this change has been pretty sad for us, we are thankful that her first year and half in day care was with people who have loved and cared for Nora in such a wonderful way (see how I typed that without crying? Progress!). 

Here is a picture of the day care crew on Nora's last day. 

June 2013

Our new day care is in a center (rather than in a home) and we have gone from part time to full time (part time isn't an option at this particular location). We really like the combination of learning and play and especially love the outside time that she gets. They also offer, without any issue, meals that support our lifestyle (this is not true everywhere).

Drop off is still quite stressful; I hope that what everyone says is true and that it will just take time for that to be an easier time.  It has been an adjustment for both Nora and Mommy, but we have gotten positive reports about her time during the day. So now we be patient and trust that the drop off stress really is fleeting (they say she calms down in just a few minutes) and that Nora will grow and learn and have fun with new friends. 

Day Care-iversary

It's been one year since Nora has started going to day care up the street at Miss Laura's house. You can revisit that post from last year here. You can also see the changes in Nora and her day care pals Evan and Lily below.

10/31/11

10/31/12

I'm not sure we could have a better day care situation. Nora is truly cared for by Laura and she gets along well with the other kids. Lily and Evan are always kissing Nora goodbye at the end of each day and Amelia likes laying dress-up with her. She goes on field trips, does some crafts, listens to music, and has a lot of toys to play with. It's wild and loving and loud and tender and perfect for us. 

Birthday Celebrations, Part 2

We are so lucky to be able to send Nora to a wonderful, small, local (up the street!), at-home day care. We love Miss Laura and her entire family. They take such wonderful care of Nora and enjoy celebrating her as much as we do.

And celebrate Nora's birthday they did! Cupcakes and crowns for Nora. What a great way to celebrate the day!

I think we have a sweet tooth baby on our hands!

Team Nora Expands to Include Daycare Provider

Hey Mommy, where are we going??

We're going to Miss Laura's for your first day of day care.

*insert sniffles from Mommy here*

While you are there, you'll get to play with Lily and Evan! And some other kids, too. And Mr. Eric will be by, too.

Daddy thinks you are going to have so much fun!

And she did! Nora had a great day at Miss Laura's. I knew she would because Laura is wonderful. We are very lucky that Nora has her to be part of "Team Nora."

I held it together until I got back into the car. I was surprised by how sad I was to leave Nora for the day. I have loved, loved, loved being able to spend all of these weeks with her. I mean, she is the greatest little girl on Earth, right? Who wouldn't want to spend every day with her smiles and coos and big eyes?

Although going back to work is a good decision for me and for us as a family, I miss her like crazy when I'm not with her. I don't go back to work full time until next week, but part of me is glad that we decided to get started with day care this week because I would have been a hot mess at work had I gone in this morning. Instead, I took the morning to run errands, all the while feeling like something was missing. And of course many things were missing; I had no stroller, car seat, baby bag, or sling. Or baby girl. It was an efficient and somewhat lonely morning, held together by a chai latte and a few texts from Laura with updates on Nora.

Wednesday will be day two. Everyone says it'll get easier. I know it will, but I hope Tuesday is a nice, long day.