Long time, no post

And this basically explains why...

The entire month of September has been a big blur. We have been busy, yes. But, it is beyond that. At the same time Joel Andrew is starting day care and I going back to work, my husband decides to start to go to Canada every week. Which means me at home with the munchkin and dogs all by myself, working, tues-thurs. (depending on the week, sometimes mon-thurs). I have just about had enough of that! It makes it hard for me to want to do anything when I am the only parent, working, commuting and doing other things like cooking, cleaning, folding. I know, whine whine. The husband does try to do more when he is home. But his Canadian family is driving me nuts.

Other than that, work is going well and I feel great about it! Joel Andrew is doing well at day care, he still cries when I drop him off and pick him up - but they swear he is happy during the day. We got his first work of art today, a nice chalk drawing.

And I haven't even taken a photo of the little man in ages!

But seriously, he is just about adjusted to the one nap a day thing. If we try to put him to bed any earlier it just means he wakes up earlier (which is never ok in my book) - so we are coasting through with about an hour less of sleep a day.

Maybe that is why the sudden brattiness? Well, not really sudden. But lots of whining is happening lately. Any tips on how to end this, nip it in the bud? He threw his milk at me this morning and I was adamant. I would not let him do anything until he picked it up nice and handed it to me. Joel Andrew - 0, Mommy - 1: it took 10 minutes, and made me late for work. But, he picked it up.

That is all for now!

Music Together

Today we started Music Together class. It was a great surprise that Cynthia and Ava are also in our class with us! I was hesitant about this, but everyone says we have to do it. It is the thing. Kids love it. Parents love it, everyone has a great time.
They are right, though I am not sure what I am going to do there. Everyone sings. Do you know how bad my singing voice is? The singing is reminiscent of warm up routines when I was in high school theater (think Glee... yes, I was that cool and ahead of my time). When I participated in these activities in high school, I lip synced. One of our musical directors actually swore he was going to have me singing by the end of the show. "Everyone can sing" he chanted. By the end of the show, he politely asked me to "speak sing" my lines...
So, I am worried for the day when the teacher catches me speak singing. I am pretty sure she is just the type - maybe even married to my former musical director. I do not want another failed reform try!

Regardless, it is a great time. The kiddo spent most of the class taking it all in. He shook his maracas with all of his might, and tried a hand at sharing. I think it is funny that they close the class with a snack. Seems like there are snacks everywhere these days. Now we have some homework this week! Oh boy! Must get memorizing the lyrics I will be non-singing!

Apple Picking and Adjusting

This weekend we went apple picking at Applecrest Farm with the Mc-Hardings (see Britt trying her first cider donut above). It was a great time as per usual. We did some things that I kept thinking, hmmmm... is this a good idea? Letting my son eat an entire cider donut? Letting him feed all of the animals? Going on the scariest tractor ride known to man to pick the apples... But we all lived to tell and it was a nice fall weekend activity.
In other news, I thought I would update you on his daycare situation. He is still not loving it. When do they get adjusted? He is crying a bit less now, like he is quiet for a 1/2 hour at a time... But still, it makes me sad. This combined with he has had some tummy issues that have been bothering him. His sleep is all over the map now, either because he will not nap at daycare or because of his tummy, I am not sure. I tried to get him to do one nap this weekend hoping it would make the daycare nap easier, but he was so tired he needed the two.
Tomorrow we start Music Together classes. I am looking forward to this hippie class. I hope he will enjoy it!
He has also learned a ton of new tricks lately. We finally taught him the hubba-hubba dance, which is hysterical (I have to figure the video camera out). He does touchdown and first down, and occasionally holding. Other very exciting things are that at night I say ok, go to your bath and he runs right to the tub. If I say go brush your teeth he runs right to the sink. He can understand english! Now, if only he could say something else besides "Otter."

First Day at School (Day Care)

So, it is official, I am a Independent Museum Professional. Joel (Big) and I have been chatting for some time now about how it might be a good idea for me to look into this. I have experience in various aspects of Museum work, from collections to fundraising to volunteer management - as well as a Master's degree from Harvard, so why not put it all to work? Plus, the kiddo might get some outside interaction, something I think he has been craving. Win, win, right?
So far, not so much. We went and visited the daycare last week and he seemed to enjoy it, new toys to play with, new people to stare at, etc. Today, his first day, without me, was not the best. But, lets begin at the beginning shall we...

A few weeks ago (like 2) I got a message from one of my old places of job, they were interested in having someone help them out for a little bit. A person recently left, and they were in a bit of a pickle. I love this place, and all the people still there, so I thought right away I would help. Mind you, I have been "chatting" with Joel about the possibility of taking something on here or there, but never really had this actually computed or come to fruition in my mind.

So, it is a good thing my mind works quickly, because within a day or two I was already interviewing various daycare centers in my town. I went to the Harvard of daycare (Phillips Exeter's daycare) and boy were they pretty. But they did not offer the days of the week I wanted, and they only had space for him in the infant room (my child is well past infant stage). I went to another place, which shall remain nameless, and immediately left. Dirty, smelled like animals and poop. The last place I went to (which was actually the first one I visited), I loved. A neighbor recommended it - her two kids go there and love it. I believe the quote she gave me was "do not be turned off by the blue-collar feel." I wasn't. The rooms were clean, colorful and bright. The kids - and the teachers (!) - all seemed very happy.
So, looking around in this new daytime home for my son, three days a week, tues, wed, thurs, it finally hit me. I was going back to work (albeit part time) and my son was going to be watched by someone else. I literally cried in the daycare. They were supportive of me though. Probably the clincher, and I signed him up.
So, a week later and here is the guy, ready to go for his first day of "school." By now I have convinced myself that not only is this going to be ok, it is going to be great. Actually better than what we were doing. He and I were getting a little bored staring at each other all day long. I was not very good about coming up with things to keep him entertained. He was getting into everything dangerous. And it is summer, imagine the winter! Not to mention, my constant worry that he is missing out on the socialization, or from experienced caregivers who know how to help with things like- learning how to wash hands, say words, play fair, etc. I'd like to think I do a great job taking care of him, but he needs to hear from others too! Constant structured playtime in a safe environment is going to be perfect for him. And, time away for me to be with adults will be the energizing thing I need to be able to focus on him when we have our time together. Plus, it is part time. Win, win... If I sound like I am trying to convince you, I'm not. I really was convinced this is the best.

And, I still am. Despite the horror of a day he had. I feel so bad for the little guy, and even worse for all of the other teachers and kids in daycare today. He apparently cried from about 10 minutes after I left at 9:30, until when I picked him up at 1:45. They called me to come and get him, that bad. I guess this happens a ton, and he will just need a few days to get used to it. I hope it works.

In the meantime, I am enjoying getting back to work. It is weird driving around with an empty car seat, this is something I have only done a handful of times, literally - usually on the way to volunteer or for a girls night out. But, it was wonderful to get my dry cleaning today, and be able to use two hands! I think I can really help my former employer, which is what is getting me through the daycare debacle. I really need to thank this place of job, for the perfect situation in easing me back into the 9-5. If this was an entirely new situation, I might have called it quits at 1:46 today...

So, here's hoping for a better day tomorrow. Maybe he will stop crying for just a little bit? I hope he grows to love it, because he should. Really, it is made for him - he can make a mess, run around, have fun - he should love it!