I was waiting for Joseph to post his long weekend with the kids while I was in Utah for Emily's graduation, but he's still due for that Tour of California post, so the kids and I will record the weekend.
I had the hardest time leaving the kids. I wasn't worried about Joseph's capabilities, I was worried that something would go awry and Woodland Nursing and Rehab and he would be in a bind. Luckily, things went pretty smoothly and he didn't have any major problems, whew!
We tossed the idea back and forth of me taking Aaron with me so that in case Joseph was called into work, he would only have to find babysitters for Brynn and Abby. He thought things would be fine so I decided to leave Aaron with Joe. When we got the airport, Aaron sensed something was up and he started to cry as we were getting my luggage out of the van. It broke my heart so I pulled him out of his car seat and held him. He hung on for dear life, I think he knew exactly what was going on. I told Joe, "I'm taking him...I'll just go buy clothes and diapers for him at Target when I get there..." Joe said, "Are you really sure...I think he'll be fine..." I handed him over and he started crying harder. Joe made the mistake of saying, "Give mom five!" He leaned right into me and of course I couldn't refuse. I held him for a few more minutes and again told Joe that I would just take him. Joe then insisted that he would be fine, and then pulled him from me and told me to hurry and go. Aaron and I were both in tears, but I left and as soon as I checked in I called to see if he was still crying. Joe told me it took a couple of minutes, but once he got in the car and turned the DVD on, he settled down. The rest of the weekend he was great. I called Mom crying and she told me things would be fine and that this would be good for all of us.
It was Abby's open house at preschool so Joe headed there with the kids and homemade frosted sugar cookies. The kids had a great time playing with all of Abby's classmates and their families. It was fun for Joe to meet the teachers and get to see the preschool. We have been so pleased with Great Day Preschool. It's different than most other preschools we looked at here. Most preschools here are different than any I have ever seen, they're more like daycare where parents can drop off as early as 6:00 a.m. and pick up at 6:00 p.m., but you also have the option of just taking them for a few hours a day, and there are kids ages 2-5 in the class. I didn't feel good about this option for us, so we decided to not put Abby in preschool at the beginning of the year. Then one of the PTA mom's from Brynn's school told me about Great Day. I told her we were looking for a program that was just a preschool where the kids all came at the same time and left at the same time and there were certified teachers running it. She told me that was exaclty what Great Day was all about and they had made a conserted effort to stay that way even though all of the other preschools were going in the daycare direction. We went to visit and were very pleased, we then labored over the decision (because of how expensive preschool is here) and ultimately decided it was something we felt good about doing. It is perfect for Abby. There's enough structure and discipline that it's good for her little independent personality, it's very developmentally appropriate, they don't push the academics for the little ones (which I am very grateful for, that comes soon enough), the teachers are certified child educators, there are lots of arts and crafts (creative one's, no coloring pages thank goodness), lots of music and imaginative play, lots of outdoor play (all school-year long), lots of great families we've been able to get to know, just to name a few of the things we love. It's FABULOUS! It feels so good to have thought hard about a decision and to look back and still feel good about the decision you've made....anyway...I digress.
The teachers had a special video made of the kids of pictures from throughout the year and we each received a copy. It was so cute! I really wish I could have been there, but I'm glad the kids got this special time with dad. Day 2! Coming up next....
5 comments:
Amy, I am so glad that you got away for a few days and that you were able to do it without taking Aaron. :) even if you are going home to visit, it is nice once in a while to just be able to relax and enjoy your family visit without the distractions of childcare- plus your family got a well rested mom back- it's a win/win.
I thought I was going to cry after reading about tearful separation from Aaron. I'm glad it all turned out well for you.
Katherine has been in a similar pre-school situation as Abby. It's only 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each day and is more social/creative than academic. It has been an absolutely wonderful experience and I have been so grateful for a loving teacher, Mrs. Havens. She is the perfect match for our Kat. I've already started mourning the end on the 22nd.
Oh, that is just so sad about Aaron's response to you leaving. I was just teary.
I agree with everything you said about Preschools. It is the trend here, too, for them to be daycare. There are a few good ones(Kristine's goes to one, ours go to another) but they are SO expensive!! Ugh.
Since January I've flown to Utah, by myself, three times. It's weird how it happened each time, but it was hard. Once I was there it was pretty easy. Sleeping in was the best. However, it was so great to come home and be so happy to be there. Chris always does such a great job when I'm gone and never complains. I feel so blessed. I never have to leave meal options or notes or anything. Sometimes I wonder what he even needs me for. He doesn't feel the same way...thankfully!!
Aaron loves his mommy. How sweet is that? I am hormonal, but I still would have cried if I wasn't. Joe is a great dad and it sounds like he managed things just fine.
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