Refrigerator Art

Lauren has started daycare in preparation for me returning to work full-time in January.  After visiting several daycare centers and pre-schools, we decided that a family home daycare center would be best for Lauren.  Developmentally she is just not ready for a pre-school setting and upon visiting, there were a few where she refused to get down or off my lap.  We are lucky that there is a family daycare two streets up from the house.  Ms Sherri is so patient with Lauren and is willing to give her the time and space to get adjusted.

Lauren did great the first two days.  Although the honeymoon only lasted 2 days.  She soon figured out that she was going to be left by me and is now having a hard time when I leave.  I think she cried for 4 hours on that third day.  (We did warn daycare that she was stubborn!)  She is still crying (or rather screaming) when I leave in the morning but is getting better.  She has also had a few days of full day daycare to test out how nap time is going to go.  We do come prepared by bringing her gloworm for her to use. As well, her teddy lovey stays with her the whole day.  Ms Sherri says that Lauren hugs it throughout the day and looks for it for comfort.   For her safety, she is going to be napping in a pack n play at daycare as we don't think she will stay on the mat they use.  So for consistency purposes, we are also having her nap in one at home.  The pictures are deceiving since she looks so peaceful.  This is after the screaming fits!

What makes it easier to leave a screaming child is that I know they will take good care of her.  I also know that she likes it there.  When I am there with her she is off my lap and playing.  She just does not like the fact that I leave.  (Although for attachment purposes, the fact that she is having a hard time separating is a very good sign)  Lauren is also trying new foods at daycare.  Ms Sherri gives Lauren what everyone else is eating, but will also feed Lauren the food packed from home if she does not eat what was prepared.  Hopefully being there will also speed up the speech process.  (Yes, she is still not speaking!

And with daycare comes refrigerator art.  Lauren comes home everyday with the craft that they made that day.  She seems to be very happy about her arts and crafts project.  Her christmas tree project is hanging on the refrigerator.  The first day after her nap, she looked up and saw it, then screamed with excitement!  Another day, she came home with a santa hat project that she did not want us to take off her head for a few hours. 

And daycare gives us a few hours to get stuff done!  Like putting up the Christmas tree so that Lauren can have her first Christmas tree.  It is also adorned with some of the crafts from daycare.