Change....is GOOD!

As some of you might recall, I had the dubious task of breaking up with my daughter's babysitter this summer. In fact, that post offered up my first blog drama. I mustered up my nerve, and made it happen. I do believe she was disappointed and more than a tad aware that I hadn't been ultra happy with everything, even though I didn't mention it. I gave her 6 weeks notice, since she hadn't expected Sugar back until late August. We have tentative plans to meet at the park so I can take some pictures of all the kids for Sugar Bear's scrapbook. I have no ill feelings toward Shannon. We just have extremely different parenting styles, and when it came down to it, I could no longer see my daughter in that situation.

This all brings us to this week. My first week back to work, and Sugar Bear's first full week at her new daycare/pre-school. I am thrilled to report that WE LOVE IT! Lorene is a wonderful, experienced, and thoughtful provider. Both Sugar Bear and I have warmed up to her right away. There is a fabulous comfort level, and instant trust. The children in her care are obviously bonded to her, as she is to them. My daughter isn't usually very quick to interact with an adult, but she is very fond of "Her Lorene!" This is making the transition back to work so much easier for us.

Of course not everything is easy peasy. Is it ever? There are a few things that Sugar Bear is having to adjust to, but all are working out nicely.

-Mastering a regular cup: ummm yeah...I was super lazy about offering her drinks in a regular cup. Sippy cups are just so convenient.

-Wearing pull-ups: she is totally NOT interested in potty training. Originally, Lorene had mentioned that Sugar Bear would need to be potty trained, but upon further discussion, and realizing that she is just not ready, we have settled on pull-ups for now.

-Napping on a little cot with other kids a few feet away: Sugar Bear has always slept in a crib or pack and play in a room all to herself. It is definitely different for her to have so much distraction in the room. She is doing great though. She has slept for 1-1.5 hours each day. At home she does 1.5-2 hours usually, so I'd say she is adjusting pretty well.

-Having to try new foods or go hungry until the next meal: I am actually a little glad that she will have to start eating a better variety of foods. I have fallen into the "feed her what she likes" trap this summer. BAD MAMA! I am hoping that this experience will encourage her to branch back out, and eat a wider variety of foods. Lorene serves wonderfully wholesome meals. Every meal has something that Sugar Bear likes, usually fruit, so she won't starve.

The actual pre-school part begins in September and I am sooooooooooooooooo excited. Sugar Bear is a bright little honey, and I know she is going to love the organized activities! :) I am literally jumping out of my skin waiting for her first art project to come home to me. I CAN'T WAIT!!!! You all better be ready to see the pictures. :) I also hope to have some pictures of her new home away from home, and her new friends, but I need to double check permision to share them.

All in all, I can not be more pleased with our new child care situation. It is never easy to leave her in the care of another, and no one will EVER be just like me, but I really do think we have found something VERY close. She is making new friends, learning wonderful social skills from a provider who understands child development, and will soon be a pre-schooler. Life is good.