I haven't written in the blog for a while. This is partially because I don't have as much time to sit and type as I once did, as Marin does not like to sleep for long stretches during the day so I have to make use of those windows doing things like showering, laundry, dishes, etc. The other part of why I haven't written is because I don't want to be one of those people who act like they are the first person in the world to have a child and therefore feel the need to document every accomplishment. Yes, I post lot of pictures on Facebook, but that's mostly because my family & close friends are spread all over the country and I hear that they want to see what she looks like/how big she's getting. I promise I don't do it so everyone tells me how cute she is. I appreciate all those comments, though. She is pretty cute.
Anyway, tomorrow is Marin's first day of "school" - it's what you call day care when you don't want to feel guilty about sending your child to day care. For us, keeping her home wasn't an option, as we live in one of the most expensive cities in the country and while day care is costly, it's not costly enough to give up my income. So we didn't have to have any serious discussions about sending her to daycare because it was a foregone conclusion. And I'm excited because they do have an actual curriculum where we're sending her, so she'll have things like music class to stimulate her. Quite honestly, there is only so much stimulus I can provide to a 2 month old. We play for a little while, talk for a little while, sing, etc. but sometimes I just really want to catch up on Tivo/ Facebook.
The crime of day care starting at 12 weeks old is that she is starting to get a lot more interesting. She smiles a lot, "talks" a lot, and generally seems more entertained/interested in things. I do have a lot of fun with her. But I also think that the teachers at "school" will also really like her and she'll be well taken care of. She will get plenty of Mommy time in the mornings and afternoons, and on weekends, and will be used to lots of people being around. On the pre-enrollment forms they ask what our goals are for the child, and I wrote for her to gain socialization skills, and independence. As flattering as it is, I don't want her to be fully reliant on Mommy and Daddy. I want her to go to/talk to lots of people and to be able to come up with ideas and play on her own.
It helps a lot that I went back to work this past week. My Mom & Dad came up to spend my 2 work days with Marin, and she did great. So I'm already "used" to being at work all day, which makes the transition to day care a little less traumatic. And hey, I'll have way more time on my hands because she'll leave with Daddy in the morning so I can shower at a nice leisurely pace after they leave and not worry about detecting a scream over the shower water.
I'm looking forward to her getting more stimulated during the day, and also looking forward to seeing her big smile when I get home from work... just as long as all major milestones happen during early morning or evening hours, and on weekends. That's not too much to ask, is it?
Anyway, tomorrow is Marin's first day of "school" - it's what you call day care when you don't want to feel guilty about sending your child to day care. For us, keeping her home wasn't an option, as we live in one of the most expensive cities in the country and while day care is costly, it's not costly enough to give up my income. So we didn't have to have any serious discussions about sending her to daycare because it was a foregone conclusion. And I'm excited because they do have an actual curriculum where we're sending her, so she'll have things like music class to stimulate her. Quite honestly, there is only so much stimulus I can provide to a 2 month old. We play for a little while, talk for a little while, sing, etc. but sometimes I just really want to catch up on Tivo/ Facebook.
The crime of day care starting at 12 weeks old is that she is starting to get a lot more interesting. She smiles a lot, "talks" a lot, and generally seems more entertained/interested in things. I do have a lot of fun with her. But I also think that the teachers at "school" will also really like her and she'll be well taken care of. She will get plenty of Mommy time in the mornings and afternoons, and on weekends, and will be used to lots of people being around. On the pre-enrollment forms they ask what our goals are for the child, and I wrote for her to gain socialization skills, and independence. As flattering as it is, I don't want her to be fully reliant on Mommy and Daddy. I want her to go to/talk to lots of people and to be able to come up with ideas and play on her own.
It helps a lot that I went back to work this past week. My Mom & Dad came up to spend my 2 work days with Marin, and she did great. So I'm already "used" to being at work all day, which makes the transition to day care a little less traumatic. And hey, I'll have way more time on my hands because she'll leave with Daddy in the morning so I can shower at a nice leisurely pace after they leave and not worry about detecting a scream over the shower water.
I'm looking forward to her getting more stimulated during the day, and also looking forward to seeing her big smile when I get home from work... just as long as all major milestones happen during early morning or evening hours, and on weekends. That's not too much to ask, is it?
