First Day of Daycare

Daycare is something that I thought I would never have to deal with. I wanted to be a stay at home mom. Then, I had friends and family who helped us out week after week as I started my new job last January. When my boss asked me if I could go full time for a few months, I knew we were going to have to give in. I looked now and then. I debated between daycare and a nanny. It was the prices that got to Mike and kept us from really moving forward. He said that he didn't want to pay more than $150 a week.... Ummmm.... good luck finding that! Even if we did find a place at that price, what kind of care would Olivia really get? Seriously?

Last week we finally went to take a look at a place. It was our first visit. The couple was nice and the activities looked fun. Olivia seemed to feel comfortable as they walked her through the area that she would be in. I am thankful that we decided to go with an in-home daycare.

So stinkin cute!

I thought she was giving herself a pep-talk. Turns out she was practicing her crying! Haha!

Well, this morning was her first day! We woke her up and did some cuddling <3 Last night I put her hair in a french braid.... This morning only the strip right down the middle of her head was still braided and kinked! Haha! The sides of her hair are not long enough. I tried to do something with it, but it did not work all that well. I wanted to make a sign that said, "MY FIRST DAY OF DAYCARE" but I though that might be a little much :-) Her outfit was cute!

When we arrived, she knew where she was as she recognized the toys outside. I knew that as soon as we got inside she was going to have a hard time. Sure enough, she buried her face in my leg. It took a few minutes but I was able to distract her long enough to seek out. I cried half the way to work! My poor baby! All alone, without anyone she knows! Will she hate me? Will she fit in? Will they take care of her? These were the questions that were racing through my mind all day. I finally decided to call at about 2 pm to check in on her. Here is what I was told:

It took her about 15 - 20 minutes to calm down after I left. They offered her different options and she kept pushing them away. Finally she put her binky down and was able to engage in some activities. For nap time, they walked her to the mat where she was supposed to take a nap. They said that she just sat there. They were able to finally get her to lay down for a two hour nap, on a mat on the floor, without a binky!! My jaw about hit the floor. Progress! (I have bee n feeling like we haven't made much progress). They described her as a little toasted marshmallow :-) A thin crust/shell but on the inside she is soft and sweet <3 Well I like to think so! When I picked her up she was the last one there. She was sitting in a chair and playing with a puzzle. I am so excited for all the new experiences that she is going to have!

Her first artwork! Each day they focus on a different letter. M is for Mommy!

As I went to put Olivia down for the night it hit me.... She has always been on the go and even though she enjoys attention, she is pretty independent. It terrifies me to think that as she gets older she is going to want me less :-( I want her to want me, I want her to need me! I understand mom! I get it now! There is nothing like the love a mother has for her child. Cherish every moment. EVERY MOMENT! She is so beautiful. She is going to do amazing things.